TORADOL (KETOROLAC)

Why is Toradol Prescribed?

Your doctor may recommend a prescription for Toradol or generic Ketorolac for short-term treatment of acute pain. This medication is a non-steroidal anti inflammatory drug (NSAID) for relieving pain and inflammation caused by dental or medical procedures. Toradol is usually started in hospital as an intravenous or intramuscular injection administered after your surgical procedure and then oral Toradol may be prescribed for 5-7 days following to keep the pain and inflammation under control.

How Toradol Acts to Reduce Pain and Inflammation

Toradol works by blocking the action of two of the cyclo-oxygenase enzymes in your body, namely COX-1 and COX-2. These enzymes are responsible in part for making prostaglandins which are the cause of inflammation. When Toradol interferes with this action, inflammation and pain are reduced. COX-1 is important for protecting your gastric mucosa by regulating your gastric acid. This is why Toradol or generic Ketorolac should only be taken short-term to minimize any stomach problems. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

More About the Inflammatory Process

Most dental and surgical procedures result in some sort of inflammation, swelling, or pain. This is how your body heals! When an injury is detected, (including surgical procedures) your immune system receives the signal that calls for prostaglandins and other body chemicals to be send to that area to contain the threat and start the healing process.

First, your blood vessels constrict to slow the blood flow to the target area. Then platelets appear on scene to clump together to plug the “hole” with the help of clotting proteins to stop any more blood loss. Your blood vessels are dilated again and the next responders are white blood cells that destroy any germs that may have entered. Inflammation, redness, and pain set in while your body tries to heal and this is where Toradol comes in to play to provide relief from the throbbing pain, redness, and swelling.

Before You Take Toradol

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast-feeding as Toradol may not be the right drug for your situation. Discuss other medical conditions and allergies you have and provide a list of all OTC and Rx drugs you are taking, including homeopathic remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements so your physician can determine if Toradol is safe for you to take.

Toradol Precautions

You should not drink alcohol while taking Toradol as it increases the risk of bleeding in your stomach. Until you know how your body will react to Toradol, do not drive, operate machinery, or attempt any task that may be dangerous if you are impaired in any way. All medications should be stored out of children’s sight and reach and never share meds with anyone else.

Possible Side Effects of Toradol

• Headache
• Nausea
• Mild to moderate stomach pain
• Diarrhea