10/28/2018 Ketorolac dosing, indications, interactions, adverse effects, and more
This site is intended for healthcare professionals
ketorolac (Rx)
Brand and Other Names: Toradol
Classes: NSAIDs
Dosing & Uses
Adult Pediatric Geriatric
Dosage Forms & Strengths
tablet
10mg
injectable solution
15mg/mL
30mg/mL
prefilled syringe
15mg/mL
30mg/mL
60mg/2mL
Moderately Severe Acute Pain
Short-term (≤5 days) management of moderately severe acute pain that requires analgesia at
opioid level; not indicated for minor or chronic painful conditions
IV: 30 mg as single dose or 30 mg q6hr; not to exceed 120 mg/day
IM: 60 mg as single dose or 30 mg q6hr; not to exceed 120 mg/day
PO: 20 mg once after IV or IM therapy, THEN 10 mg q4-6hr; not to exceed 40 mg/day
Dosing Considerations
Always begin with parenteral therapy; oral administration indicated only as continuation of IV/IM
dosing, if necessary
Duration of therapy should not exceed 5 days
Dosage beyond maximum or labeled doses will not provide better efficacy but will increase risk of
serious adverse events
Decrease daily dose in patients >65 years, <50 kg, or with moderately elevated serum creatinine
Dosing Modifications
https://reference.medscape.com/drug/ketorolac-343292 1/2
10/28/2018 Ketorolac dosing, indications, interactions, adverse effects, and more
Renal impairment
Severe: Contraindicated
Moderate (moderately elevated serum creatinine): Use 50% of recommended dosage; not to
exceed 60 mg/day IM/IV
Hepatic impairment
Not studied; use caution; discontinue if symptoms of liver toxicity develop
Moderately Severe Acute Pain (Off-label)
<2 years
Safety and efficacy not established
2-16 years
Single dose: 0.5 mg/kg IV/IM once; not to exceed 15 mg
Multiple dose: 0.5 mg/kg IV/IM q6hr; not to exceed 5 days
>16 years, <50 kg
IV: 15 mg as single dose or 15 mg q6hr; not to exceed 60 mg/day
IM: 30 mg as single dose or 15 mg q6hr; not to exceed 60 mg/day
PO: 10 mg once after IV/IM therapy, THEN 10 mg q4-6hr; not to exceed 40 mg/day
>16 years, >50 kg
IV: 30 mg as single dose or 30 mg q6hr; not to exceed 120 mg/day
IM: 60 mg as single dose or 30 mg q6hr; not to exceed 120 mg/day
PO: 20 mg once after IV/IM therapy, THEN 10 mg q4-6hr; not to exceed 40 mg/day
Dosing Considerations
Not approved for use in pediatric patients
Duration of therapy should not exceed 5 days
Moderately Severe Acute Pain
Short-term (≤5 days) management of moderately severe acute pain that requires analgesia at
opioid level; not indicated for minor or chronic painful conditions
IV: 15 mg as single dose or 15 mg q6hr; not to exceed 60 mg/day
IM: 30 mg as single dose or 15 mg q6hr; not to exceed 60 mg/day
PO: 10 mg once after IV or IM therapy, THEN 10 mg q4-6hr; not to exceed 40 mg/day
Dosing Considerations
Long-term use should be avoided because of asymptomatic, pathologic gastrointestinal (GI)
conditions; duration of therapy should not exceed 5 days
Dosage adjustment required for patients >65 years or <50 kg (see Black Box Warnings)
https://reference.medscape.com/drug/ketorolac-343292 2/2
