Learn about common and serious Ketorolac (Toradol) side effects, who's most at risk, how to manage them, and when to seek medical attention.
Ketorolac (sold under brand names like Toradol and Sprix) is a powerful NSAID used for short-term treatment of moderately severe acute pain. It works well — but like all medications, it comes with potential side effects that you should understand before starting treatment.
This guide covers the common side effects you might experience, the serious ones to watch for, and when you should call your doctor or go to the emergency room.
Ketorolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that's significantly more potent than over-the-counter options like Ibuprofen or Naproxen. It's available as oral tablets, injections, a nasal spray (Sprix), and eye drops (Acular). For a complete overview, see our guide on what Ketorolac is and how it's used.
Because of its potency and risk profile, Ketorolac is limited to 5 days of use maximum across all forms combined. This strict time limit is there to protect you from serious complications.
Most people who take Ketorolac for a few days will experience mild side effects that resolve on their own. Based on FDA labeling, the most frequently reported side effects include:
These side effects are generally manageable and tend to go away once you stop taking the medication.
Ketorolac carries a boxed warning — the FDA's most serious safety alert — for several potentially life-threatening risks:
NSAIDs, including Ketorolac, can cause stomach ulcers, bleeding, and perforation (a hole in the stomach or intestinal wall). These events can happen without warning symptoms and can be fatal. Risk increases with:
Ketorolac may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, especially with longer use or in patients with existing heart disease. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden weakness on one side of the body, or slurred speech.
Ketorolac can cause acute kidney injury, particularly in patients who are dehydrated, elderly, or taking other medications that affect kidney function (such as ACE inhibitors or diuretics). Signs include decreased urination, swelling, and unusual fatigue.
Anaphylaxis — a life-threatening allergic reaction — can occur, especially in people with a history of asthma or allergic reactions to Aspirin or other NSAIDs. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, and hives.
Rare but serious skin conditions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis have been reported. Seek emergency care if you develop a widespread rash, blistering, or peeling skin.
Hepatotoxicity is possible, though uncommon. Watch for yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or persistent nausea.
Ketorolac impairs platelet function and can increase bleeding time. This is especially risky if you're taking blood thinners like Warfarin or antiplatelet drugs like Clopidogrel. Learn more about Ketorolac drug interactions.
Older adults are at significantly higher risk for GI bleeding, kidney problems, and cardiovascular events. If you're 65 or older, your doctor should use a lower dose — typically a maximum of 60 mg/day for injection.
Ketorolac is contraindicated in the third trimester of pregnancy due to the risk of premature closure of the ductus arteriosus in the fetus. It should also not be used during labor and delivery.
Ketorolac passes into breast milk. Use with caution if you're breastfeeding — talk to your doctor about whether the benefits outweigh the risks.
Ketorolac is not recommended in children under 2 years old. For older children, it's sometimes used off-label for acute pain, but only under close medical supervision.
If you have impaired kidney function (creatinine clearance below 30 mL/min) or significant liver problems, Ketorolac may not be safe for you.
If you experience mild side effects while taking Ketorolac, here are some practical tips:
Remember: you should never take Ketorolac for more than 5 days. If your pain isn't adequately controlled, talk to your doctor about alternative medications rather than extending your course.
Contact your doctor or seek emergency care immediately if you experience any of the following:
Ketorolac is an effective short-term pain reliever, but its side effect profile is more serious than many people realize. The 5-day maximum usage limit exists for good reason — exceeding it dramatically increases your risk of GI bleeding, kidney damage, and cardiovascular problems.
Always take Ketorolac exactly as prescribed, report any unusual symptoms promptly, and never combine it with other NSAIDs or Aspirin. If you have questions about whether Ketorolac is safe for you, talk to your prescriber.
To learn more about how this medication works in your body, check out our article on Ketorolac's mechanism of action.
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