From the Research
Toradol (ketorolac) can be used cautiously in patients with gallstones, but it's not the first-choice pain medication for these patients. If you have gallstones and need pain relief, Toradol may be prescribed for short-term use (typically limited to 5 days or less) at the lowest effective dose. However, since Toradol is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), it carries risks of gastrointestinal irritation and bleeding, which could potentially complicate gallstone disease. For gallstone pain specifically, medications like acetaminophen are often safer first options. If Toradol is used, it should be under close medical supervision, especially if you have other risk factors like kidney problems or are elderly. The reason for caution is that NSAIDs like Toradol can affect kidney function and fluid retention, which might indirectly impact gallbladder function. Always inform your healthcare provider about your gallstone history before taking Toradol, and seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe abdominal pain, as this could indicate a gallstone complication requiring urgent treatment.
Some key points to consider:
- A study from 1 found that NSAIDs are potent in the management of biliary colic, not only in terms of symptom control but in disease progression as well.
- Another study from 2 found that NSAIDs obtained a significantly lower proportion of participants without complete pain relief when compared with placebo, which was confirmed by Trial Sequential Analysis.
- However, the quality of evidence according to GRADE criteria was moderate for the comparison of NSAIDs versus placebo regarding the outcome lack of pain relief and low or very low for the other outcomes and comparisons.
- A study from 3 found that chronic NSAID ingestion does not seem to prevent gallstones in arthritis patients; in these patients gallstone disease is associated with classic risk factors (female gender and age).
- It's also worth noting that a study from 4 found that NSAIDs can reduce the mucin content of gallbladder bile, which may help prevent gallstone formation.
- Additionally, a study from 5 found that aspirin, a prostaglandin inhibitor, can improve gallbladder motility in patients with gallstone disease.
Overall, while Toradol can be used in patients with gallstones, it's essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risks and consider alternative pain management options.