Ketorolac

Pain management, acute:

Weight ≥50 kg and <65 years of age:

IV: 30 mg as a single dose or 15 to 30 mg every 6 hours as needed; maximum daily dose: 120 mg/day; maximum duration: 5 days combined

IM: 30 to 60 mg as a single dose or 15 to 30 mg every 6 hours as needed; alternatively, may administer 10 to 30 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed; maximum daily dose: 120 mg/day; maximum duration: 5 days combined

Weight <50 kg or ≥65 years of age:

IV: 15 mg as a single dose or 15 mg every 6 hours as needed; maximum daily dose: 60 mg/day; maximum duration: 5 days

IM: 30 mg as a single dose or 15 mg every 6 hours as needed; alternatively, may administer 10 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed; maximum daily dose: 60 mg/day; maximum duration: 5 days

Contraindications:

Hypersensitivity to ketorolac, aspirin, other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or any component of the formulation; active or history of peptic ulcer disease; recent or history of GI bleeding or perforation; history of asthma, urticaria, or allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs; advanced renal disease or patients at risk for renal failure due to volume depletion; prophylactic analgesic before any major surgery; suspected or confirmed cerebrovascular bleeding, hemorrhagic diathesis, incomplete hemostasis, or high risk of bleeding; concurrent use with aspirin, other NSAIDs, probenecid, or pentoxifylline; epidural or intrathecal administration (injection only); use in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft surgery; labor and delivery.

Interactions:

Aminoglycosides: Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents may decrease the excretion of Aminoglycosides. Data only in premature infants. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents. Specifically, the combination may result in a significant decrease in renal function. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers. The combination of these two agents may also significantly decrease glomerular filtration and renal function. Risk C: Monitor therapy

 Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Nonsteroidal AntiInflammatory Agents. Specifically, the combination may result in a significant decrease in renal function. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents may diminish the antihypertensive effect of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Anticoagulants: Agents with Antiplatelet Properties may enhance the anticoagulant effect of Anticoagulants. Risk C: Monitor therapy

 Apixaban: Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents (Nonselective) may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Apixaban. Specifically, the risk of bleeding may be increased. Management: A comprehensive risk to benefit assessment should be done for all patients before any concurrent use of apixaban and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If combined, monitor patients extra closely for signs and symptoms of bleeding. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

 Aspirin: Ketorolac (Systemic) may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Aspirin. An increased risk of bleeding may be associated with use of this combination. Ketorolac (Systemic) may diminish the cardioprotective effect of Aspirin. Risk X: Avoid combination

Pregnancy and Lactation:

The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) close to conception may be associated with an increased risk of miscarriage due to cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition interfering with implantation.

Ketorolac is present in breast milk, use with caution.

Warning and Precaution:

• Bleeding and hematologic effects: Inhibits platelet function; contraindicated in patients with cerebrovascular bleeding (suspected or confirmed), hemorrhagic diathesis, incomplete hemostasis and patients at high risk for bleeding. Platelet adhesion and aggregation may be decreased; may prolong bleeding time; patients with coagulation disorders or who are receiving anticoagulants should be monitored closely. Anemia may occur; patients on long-term nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) therapy should be monitored for anemia. Rarely, NSAID use has been associated with potentially severe blood dyscrasias (eg, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, aplastic anemia).
• Cardiovascular events: NSAIDs cause an increased risk of serious (and potentially fatal) adverse cardiovascular thrombotic events, including MI and stroke. Risk may occur early during treatment and may increase with duration of use. Relative risk appears to be similar in those with and without known cardiovascular disease or risk factors for cardiovascular disease; however, absolute incidence of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events (which may occur early during treatment) was higher in patients with known cardiovascular disease or risk factors and in those receiving higher doses. New onset hypertension or exacerbation of hypertension may occur (NSAIDs may also impair response to ACE inhibitors, thiazide diuretics, or loop diuretics); may contribute to cardiovascular events; monitor blood pressure; use with caution in patients with hypertension. May cause sodium and fluid retention, use with caution in patients with edema. Avoid use in heart failure. Avoid use in patients with a recent MI unless benefits outweigh risk of cardiovascular thrombotic events. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration of time, consistent with individual patient goals, to reduce risk of cardiovascular events; alternate therapies should be considered for patients at high risk.
• CNS effects: May cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, and other neurologic effects which may impair physical or mental abilities; patients must be cautioned about performing tasks which require mental alertness (eg, operating machinery or driving).
• Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms: Potentially serious, sometimes fatal, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), also known as multiorgan hypersensitivity reactions, has been reported with NSAIDs. Monitor for signs and symptoms (eg, fever, rash, lymphadenopathy, and eosinophilia) in association with other organ system involvement (eg, hepatitis, nephritis, hematological abnormalities, myocarditis, myositis). Early symptoms of hypersensitivity reaction (eg, lymphadenopathy, fever) may occur without rash; discontinue therapy and further evaluate if DRESS is suspected.
• GI events: Ketorolac can cause peptic ulcers, GI bleeding, and/or perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. These events can occur at any time during use and without warning symptoms. Therefore, ketorolac is contraindicated in patients with active peptic ulcer disease, recent GI bleeding or perforation, and a history of peptic ulcer disease or GI bleeding. Elderly patients and patients with a prior history of peptic ulcer disease and/or GI bleeding are at greater risk for serious GI events. Avoid use in patients with active GI bleeding. In patients with a history of acute lower GI bleeding, avoid use of non-aspirin NSAIDs, especially if due to angioectasia or diverticulosis. Use caution with a history of GI ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, concurrent therapy known to increase the risk of GI bleeding (eg, aspirin, anticoagulants and/or corticosteroids, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), advanced hepatic disease, coagulopathy, smoking, use of alcohol, or in the elderly or debilitated patients. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration of time, consistent with individual patient goals, to reduce risk of GI adverse events; alternate therapies should be considered for patients at high risk. When used concomitantly with aspirin, a substantial increase in the risk of GI complications (eg, ulcer) occurs; concomitant gastroprotective therapy (eg, proton pump inhibitors) is recommended.
• Hepatic effects: Transaminase elevations have been reported with use; closely monitor patients with any abnormal LFT. Rare (sometimes fatal) severe hepatic reactions (eg, jaundice, fulminant hepatitis, hepatic necrosis, and hepatic failure) have occurred with NSAID use; discontinue immediately if signs or symptoms of hepatic disease develop or if systemic manifestations occur.
• Hyperkalemia: NSAID use may increase the risk of hyperkalemia, particularly in patients ≥65 years of age, in patients with diabetes or renal disease, and with concomitant use of other agents capable of inducing hyperkalemia (eg, ACE-inhibitors). Monitor potassium closely.

Adverse Reactions:

>10%:

Gastrointestinal: Abdominal pain, dyspepsia, nausea

Hepatic: Increased liver enzymes (≤15%)

Nervous system: Headache

Storage:

Store below 30 and protect from freezing.