What is the recommended dosage for local application of the Ketoral (ketorolac) patch?

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Ketoral (Ketorolac) Patch Dosing for Local Application

I cannot provide specific dosing recommendations for a "Ketoral patch" because no such FDA-approved ketorolac transdermal patch formulation exists in the evidence provided or in standard clinical practice.

Critical Clarification

The evidence shows that ketorolac (Toradol) is available as:

  • Intramuscular injection: 60 mg IM initially, with maximum 120 mg/day for up to 5 days 1
  • Intravenous formulation: 0.5-1 mg/kg in pediatrics 2, or weight-based dosing in adults 1
  • Oral tablets: Following parenteral therapy 3

There is NO ketorolac patch mentioned in any guideline or research evidence provided. The only transdermal patch discussed is granisetron (an antiemetic, not an analgesic), which is dosed as one 3.1 mg/24-hour patch applied 24-48 hours before chemotherapy 4.

Ketoprofen Patch (Possible Confusion)

If you are asking about ketoprofen patch (a different NSAID), the evidence describes:

  • A transdermal formulation using DermaLight Technology with styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS) polymeric matrix 5
  • Applied to affected areas including joints 5
  • Maintains elevated ketoprofen concentration at the application site 5
  • However, specific dosing instructions are not provided in the evidence 5

Clinical Recommendation

If you need topical NSAID therapy:

  • Diclofenac gel 3% is an evidence-based option: 50-100 g applied over 2-4 months for conditions like actinic keratosis 4
  • Lidocaine 5% patch for neuropathic pain: up to 4 patches applied for 12 hours daily 4

If you need systemic ketorolac for acute pain:

  • 60 mg IM initially, repeated every 15-30 minutes as needed, maximum 120 mg/day for maximum 5 days 1, 6
  • In elderly patients (≥60 years): maximum 40 mg/day due to elevated risk of renal, GI, and cardiovascular toxicity 7

Please verify the exact product name and formulation you are inquiring about, as "Ketoral patch" does not correspond to any standard pharmaceutical product in the provided evidence.

References

Guideline

Safety of 60 mg Toradol (Ketorolac) for Initial Pain Management

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

Research

Clinical pharmacokinetics of ketorolac tromethamine.

Clinical pharmacokinetics, 1992

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Guideline

Acute Pain Management with Ketorolac and Steroids

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

Guideline

Ketorolac Dosing and Safety Considerations in Elderly Patients

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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