From the Guidelines
Toradol (ketorolac) is generally not recommended for patients over 65 years of age due to increased risk of side effects, particularly gastrointestinal bleeding and kidney problems. The medication should be limited to a maximum of 5 days of use to minimize risks, as stated in the study published in the American Family Physician in 2002 1. There is no specific minimum age requirement for Toradol in adults, but it should be used cautiously in elderly patients. In pediatric patients, Toradol may be used for certain indications, though this varies by country and specific formulation. The age restrictions exist because older adults experience more pronounced side effects from NSAIDs like Toradol, including increased risk of stomach ulcers, bleeding, kidney dysfunction, and cardiovascular events. Some key points to consider when prescribing Toradol include:
- Dosage adjustments are typically necessary for elderly patients if the medication is deemed necessary, usually starting at half the standard adult dose.
- Anyone with kidney disease, heart failure, or a history of stomach ulcers should avoid Toradol regardless of age, as should pregnant women in their third trimester.
- The study published in the American Family Physician in 2002 1 provides guidance on the use of Toradol, including its efficacy, dosage, contraindications, and adverse reactions. Key considerations for the use of Toradol include:
- Efficacy: Toradol has been shown to be effective in the treatment of acute pain, with an efficacy rating of 3 1.
- Dosage: The recommended dosage of Toradol is 60 mg IM every 15 to 30 minutes, with a maximal dosage of 120 mg per day, and treatment not to exceed five days 1.
- Contraindications: Toradol is contraindicated in patients with aspirin/NSAID-induced asthma, pregnancy, and cerebrovascular hemorrhage 1.
- Adverse reactions: Common adverse reactions to Toradol include edema, drowsiness, dizziness, GI upset, and increased diaphoresis 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Ketorolac tromethamine tablets are not indicated for use in pediatric patients The safety and effectiveness of ketorolac tromethamine tablets in pediatric patients below the age of 17 have not been established Ketorolac tromethamine is not indicated for use in pediatric patients The safety and effectiveness of ketorolac tromethamine in pediatric patients below the age of 17 have not been established
The age limit for toradol is 17 years. Ketorolac is not indicated for use in pediatric patients below the age of 17, as the safety and effectiveness have not been established 2 3.
From the Research
Age Limit for Toradol
- The age limit for toradol (ketorolac) is not explicitly stated in the provided studies, but some information can be inferred from the study results.
- According to the study 4, ketorolac is not recommended for use in infants aged < 1 year.
- The same study 4 also mentions that older children may require somewhat lower dosages, while infants and young children may require slightly higher dosages to achieve the same level of pain relief.
- However, the study 4 does provide dosage recommendations for children, with a maximum daily dosage of 90mg and a maximum duration of treatment of 48 hours for intravenous administration, and a maximum daily dosage of 1.0 mg/kg/day with a maximum duration of 7 days for oral administration.
- The other studies 5, 6, 7 do not provide specific information on age limits for toradol, but they do discuss its use in adults and its efficacy and safety in various clinical settings.
- It is worth noting that the study 6 only included patients aged 18 to 65 years, while the study 7 did not specify any age restrictions for the use of toradol.