Toradol
Ketorolac
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Toradol
Toradol is an NSAID (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). It acts by reducing inflammation by preventing certain chemicals like prostaglandins from being produced by the injured tissue. These prostaglandins are responsible for tissue inflammation.
Therapeutic Uses of Toradol
Toradol is used for the short term (up to 5 days) treatment of moderate to severe pain, especially after surgery. It is used alone or in combination with other NSAIDs. It can also be used in other medical conditions as your doctor determines.
Direction of use of Toradol
Use Toradol as per direction of your doctor. if you have any question about the use you should ask your doctor or other health care provider. Toradol should be taken with food if it cause stomach upset. Taking it with food may not decrease the risk of stomach or bowel problems (such as bleeding or ulcers) that may occur while taking Toradol. Do not use this medication for more than 5 days. Toradol should not be used for treatment of mild to moderate or chronic pain like headache.
If You Miss a Dose of Toradol
If you miss a dose of Toradol, you should take it as soon asyou can remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, you should skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Never take 2 doses at a time to compensate for the missed dose.
How to Store Toradol
Toradol should be stored at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store it away from heat, moisture, and light in a tightly closed light resistant container. Keep Toradol out of the reach of children and never store it in your bathroom.
More Information About Toradol
Toradol should be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed and not shared with other people. Do not use it for other medical conditions. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, consult your doctor, as the medicine may need to be changed.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Toradol
Do not use Toradol if you are suffering from any of the following medical problems given below and consult your doctor immediately:
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients used in Toradol.
- If you have history of a severe allergic reaction (severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, dizziness etc. are symptoms of allergic reaction) to aspirin or any other NSAIDs like ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib etc.
- If you are pregnant and in second or third trimester of pregnancy.
- If you are taking an aminoglycoside antibiotic like gentamicin; heparin, methotrexate, probenecid, tacrolimus, aspirin, or another NSAID like ibuprofen, celecoxib etc.
- If you are breast-feeding, in labor or delivery, or you are scheduled to have surgery soon.
- If you have any severe kidney problem (including risk for kidney failure or kidney failure), or you have or are at risk for bleeding problems (e.g., stroke, hemorrhage).
- If you have a history of ulcers in gastrointestinal tract or severe stomach problems like bleeding, perforation etc.
Important notes about Toradol:
- Toradol may cause drowsiness, dizziness etc. as side effect. You should not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that requires constant attention and monitoring, until you know how you react to Toradol. Using Toradol alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks and you should not engage in these types of tasks while you are on Toradol.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you are pregnant you should not take Toradol, especially in second and third trimester of pregnancy. If you become pregnant during treatment with Toradol, you should discuss with your doctor about the benefits and risks of using Toradol during pregnancy. Toradol is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Toradol.
- Toradol is not recommended (and should not be used) for use in children younger than 16 years of age, because safety and effectiveness of Toradol is not yet established in these children.
- Do not take other NSAIDs or non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (like aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib), while you are taking Toradol. If you have questions about which medicines are anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs), ask your doctor or other health care provider. If you are taking aspirin, prescribed by your doctor for reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually less than 325 mg per day), talk with your doctor before using Toradol.
- If you drink more than 3 alcohol-containing drinks a day, you should not take Toradol without first discussing it with your doctor.
- Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking amphetamines like dextroamphetamine, bisphosphonates like alendronate, or diuretics or "water pills" like hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide etc.
- Some lab tests may be required to monitor therapy and also to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
Possible Adverse Effects of Toradol
- Common and less serious (mionr) side effects of Toradol are nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea; dizziness, headache, drowsiness; gas, indigestion, mouth sores, stomach fullness, stomach pain; purple patches under the skin; sweating; swelling etc. If any of these minor side effects of Toradol becomes persistent and troublesome to you, doctor should be consulted.
- Seek medical attention right away if any of the severe and less common side effects of Toradol occurs. The serious and less common side effects of Toradol are severe allergic reaction (the symptoms of severe allergic reaction are skin rash; hives; breathing difficulty; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black stools, pale stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, dark urine; fluid retention, fainting, hallucinations, psychosis, meningitis; persistent stomach/abdominal pain; pounding in the chest;; rectal bleeding; seizures; severe and continuing nausea; shortness of breath; stomach perforation; tightness in chest; tremors; ulcers; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual fatigue; yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) etc.