Can't Find Ketorolac? You Have Options

If you've been prescribed Ketorolac — sold under brand names like Toradol and Sprix — and your pharmacy can't fill it, you're probably in pain and feeling frustrated. Ketorolac is one of the strongest non-opioid painkillers available, and when you need it, you need it fast.

The good news is that there are several effective alternatives in the same drug class that your doctor can prescribe. In this guide, we'll explain what Ketorolac is, how it works, and walk you through four real alternatives that may help.

Before switching medications, always talk to your doctor or pharmacist. And if you haven't already, try using Medfinder to check if Ketorolac is in stock near you — it may be available at a pharmacy you haven't tried yet.

What Is Ketorolac?

Ketorolac (Ketorolac Tromethamine) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that's FDA-approved for the short-term management of moderately severe acute pain. It's commonly used after surgery, in emergency rooms for migraines and kidney stones, and as an alternative to opioid painkillers.

Ketorolac is available as:

• Oral tablets (10 mg)
• Intramuscular (IM) and intravenous (IV) injections
• Nasal spray (Sprix)
• Eye drops (Acular) for post-surgical eye inflammation

It is not a controlled substance and is not an opioid, but it is limited to a maximum of 5 days of total use due to risks of gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney damage, and cardiovascular events. For more details, read our full overview of what Ketorolac is and how to use it.

How Does Ketorolac Work?

Like other NSAIDs, Ketorolac works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2). These enzymes produce prostaglandins, which are chemicals that cause pain, inflammation, and fever. By blocking prostaglandin production, Ketorolac reduces pain and swelling.

What sets Ketorolac apart from other NSAIDs is its potency. It provides pain relief comparable to some opioids, which is why it's a top choice for acute, severe pain — especially in settings where opioid use is a concern. For a deeper look, see our post on how Ketorolac works.

4 Alternatives to Ketorolac

If you can't fill your Ketorolac prescription, here are four alternatives your doctor may consider. All of these are NSAIDs that work through a similar mechanism, though each has its own strengths and limitations.

1. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)

Ibuprofen is one of the most widely used NSAIDs in the world. It's available over the counter in 200 mg tablets and by prescription in higher doses (400 mg, 600 mg, 800 mg). An intravenous form (Caldolor) is also available in hospital settings.

Pros:

• Widely available OTC and by prescription
• Very affordable — often under $10
• Can be used for longer than 5 days (under medical supervision)
• IV form available for acute hospital use

Cons:

• Less potent than Ketorolac for severe pain
• Same class of GI and cardiovascular risks as all NSAIDs

2. Diclofenac (Voltaren, Dyloject)

Diclofenac is a prescription NSAID that comes in many forms: oral tablets, topical gels and patches, and an injectable form called Dyloject. Dyloject is particularly relevant as an alternative to Ketorolac injection in acute care settings.

Pros:

• Available in oral, topical, and injectable forms
• Topical Voltaren gel is available OTC for joint pain
• Injectable Dyloject offers a direct alternative to Ketorolac IV/IM
• Strong anti-inflammatory properties

Cons:

• Injectable form (Dyloject) may not be stocked at all pharmacies
• Prescription required for oral and injectable forms
• Carries similar cardiovascular and GI risks

3. Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)

Naproxen is a long-acting NSAID available OTC (220 mg as Aleve) and by prescription (250 mg, 375 mg, 500 mg). Its longer half-life means you only need to take it twice a day instead of every 4 to 6 hours.

Pros:

• Longer duration of action — twice-daily dosing
• Available OTC and by prescription
• Well-studied safety profile
• Very affordable

Cons:

• Less potent than Ketorolac for severe acute pain
• Not available as an injection
• May take longer to reach peak effect

4. Celecoxib (Celebrex)

Celecoxib is a COX-2 selective NSAID, meaning it primarily targets the COX-2 enzyme while sparing COX-1. This selectivity gives it a lower risk of gastrointestinal bleeding compared to traditional NSAIDs like Ketorolac.

Pros:

• Lower GI bleeding risk than non-selective NSAIDs
• Good option for patients with a history of stomach problems
• Once- or twice-daily dosing
• Generic available, typically $15 to $30 with a coupon

Cons:

• Prescription only
• Less effective for severe acute pain than Ketorolac
• Not available as an injection
• Carries cardiovascular risk warnings

How to Choose the Right Alternative

The best alternative depends on your specific situation:

• For severe acute pain in a clinical setting: Diclofenac injection (Dyloject) or IV Ibuprofen (Caldolor) are the closest alternatives to Ketorolac injection.
• For at-home pain management: Prescription-strength Ibuprofen or Naproxen are effective and affordable first-line options.
• For patients with GI concerns: Celecoxib offers the lowest stomach bleeding risk among these alternatives.
• For mild to moderate pain: OTC Ibuprofen or Naproxen may be sufficient without a prescription.

Always discuss alternatives with your healthcare provider before making a switch. They'll consider your pain level, medical history, kidney function, and other medications you're taking.

Final Thoughts

Ketorolac is a uniquely potent NSAID, but it's not the only option when you're in pain. Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Naproxen, and Celecoxib are all proven alternatives with their own advantages. If you're still hoping to find Ketorolac, search for it on Medfinder or check out our guide to finding Ketorolac in stock.

And for more information on Ketorolac side effects and safety, see our post on Ketorolac side effects.