Finding a Doctor Who Prescribes Ketorolac

Ketorolac (brand name Toradol) is one of the strongest nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) available, often used for short-term management of moderately severe acute pain. Unlike over-the-counter pain relievers like Ibuprofen or Naproxen, Ketorolac requires a prescription — and it's typically reserved for specific situations.

If you're dealing with acute pain and think Ketorolac might help, this guide will walk you through which types of doctors prescribe it, how to find one near you, and what to expect during your visit.

What Type of Doctor Prescribes Ketorolac?

Ketorolac is prescribed by several types of healthcare providers, depending on the clinical situation:

• Emergency Medicine Physicians — Ketorolac injection is a staple in emergency departments for acute pain from injuries, kidney stones (renal colic), and migraines.
• Surgeons (General, Orthopedic, Oral) — Often prescribed after surgical procedures as a non-opioid option for postoperative pain management.
• Anesthesiologists — May administer Ketorolac during or after surgery as part of a multimodal pain management approach.
• Pain Management Specialists — For patients with acute flare-ups who need short-term, potent NSAID therapy.
• Primary Care and Family Medicine Doctors — Can prescribe oral Ketorolac for short-term use, particularly as a follow-up to ER or surgical treatment.
• Sports Medicine Physicians — May prescribe it for acute musculoskeletal injuries.
• Ophthalmologists — Prescribe the ophthalmic form (Acular) for eye inflammation after cataract surgery or for allergic conjunctivitis.

Because Ketorolac is not a controlled substance, any licensed prescriber — including nurse practitioners and physician assistants — can write a prescription for it.

How to Find a Provider Near You

Here are the most effective ways to find a doctor who can prescribe Ketorolac in your area:

1. Use Your Insurance Provider Directory

Start with your health insurance company's online provider directory. Most insurers let you search by specialty. Look for:

• Primary care or family medicine providers
• Pain management specialists
• Orthopedic or sports medicine doctors

This ensures any provider you visit is in-network, keeping your costs low.

2. Search on Zocdoc

Zocdoc lets you search for doctors by specialty, location, and insurance. You can filter by providers who offer same-day or next-day appointments — helpful if you're in acute pain and need treatment quickly.

3. Get a Referral From Your Primary Care Doctor

If you already have a primary care provider, call their office. They may prescribe Ketorolac themselves or refer you to a pain specialist or surgeon who can.

4. Try Telehealth

Since Ketorolac is not a controlled substance, many telehealth platforms can prescribe oral Ketorolac tablets. This is convenient if you've already been evaluated in an ER or surgical setting and need a short follow-up course. Keep in mind that injectable Ketorolac must be administered in a clinical setting.

5. Visit an Urgent Care Center

Urgent care clinics are another option. Many keep Ketorolac injection on hand for acute pain and can also prescribe oral tablets for a few days of follow-up treatment.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

When you see a doctor about Ketorolac, here's what will typically happen:

• Pain assessment — Your doctor will ask about the type, location, severity, and duration of your pain.
• Medical history review — They'll check for contraindications, including history of GI bleeding, kidney problems, heart disease, and current medications.
• Discussion of alternatives — Your doctor may consider whether other pain medications might be more appropriate for your situation.
• Short-term plan — If Ketorolac is appropriate, your doctor will prescribe it for no more than 5 days total (all forms combined). This strict time limit exists because of the risk of serious side effects with longer use.

Be honest about all medications you're currently taking. Ketorolac has significant drug interactions, including with other NSAIDs, blood thinners like Warfarin, Lithium, and Methotrexate.

After You Get Your Prescription

Once your doctor writes a prescription for Ketorolac, you'll need to fill it at a pharmacy. Generic Ketorolac oral tablets are widely available and affordable — typically $10 to $25 for 20 tablets without insurance, and as low as $10 to $13 with a discount coupon.

If cost is a concern, check out our guide on how to save money on Ketorolac.

If you're having trouble finding Ketorolac in stock — especially the injectable form, which has had intermittent shortages — you can use Medfinder to check pharmacy availability near you without having to call around.

Final Thoughts

Ketorolac is a powerful pain reliever, but it's meant for short-term use only. Finding the right doctor starts with understanding which specialists typically prescribe it and using tools like your insurance directory, Zocdoc, or telehealth to connect with a provider quickly.

If you're unsure whether Ketorolac is right for you, start by talking to your primary care doctor. They can evaluate your pain, check for any contraindications, and either prescribe it or point you to the right specialist.

For more information about how this medication works, read our guide on what Ketorolac is and how it's used.