From the FDA Drug Label
Ketorolac Tromethamine Injection, USP is available for intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) administration as: 15 mg in 1 mL (1.5%) and 30 mg in 1 mL (3%) in sterile solution; In normal subjects (n=37), the total clearance of 30 mg intravenous-administered Ketorolac Tromethamine was 0.030 (0.017-0.051) L/h/kg.
Yes, Toradol (Ketorolac) can be administered intravenously (IV) 1. The FDA-approved dosage forms include solutions for IV administration 1.
From the Research
Yes, Toradol (ketorolac) can be administered intravenously (IV). The most recent and highest quality study, 2, suggests that IV ketorolac may be effective in reducing pain in adult patients with renal colic. However, it is essential to consider the potential risks and benefits of IV ketorolac administration.
When administering IV ketorolac, it is crucial to follow the recommended dosing guidelines to minimize the risk of adverse events. The typical IV dose for adults is 30 mg as a single dose or 30 mg every 6 hours as needed, not to exceed 120 mg in a 24-hour period. IV administration should be limited to short-term use only (up to 5 days maximum) due to the risk of serious side effects with prolonged use.
Key considerations for IV ketorolac administration include:
- Administering the medication as a slow injection over at least 15 seconds to minimize injection site reactions
- Being aware of the potential risks of gastrointestinal bleeding, renal impairment, and cardiovascular events, particularly in elderly patients, those with renal impairment, or patients with a history of peptic ulcer disease
- Using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible
- Considering alternative routes of administration, such as oral therapy, for patients who can tolerate it, with typical oral doses of 10 mg every 4-6 hours, not exceeding 40 mg daily.
It is also important to note that the evidence suggests that IV ketorolac may be less effective than IV ibuprofen in reducing renal colic pain, and that the intravenous route of administration is probably similar to the intramuscular route but may be better than the rectal route, as reported in 2. Additionally, a study by 3 found that ketorolac has similar analgesic efficacy at intravenous doses of 10,15, and 30 mg, suggesting that the lowest effective dose should be used to minimize adverse effects.
Overall, IV ketorolac can be a useful option for managing moderate to severe pain in adult patients, but it is crucial to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits and to follow recommended dosing guidelines to ensure safe and effective use.