Is Toradol an NSAID?
Yes, Toradol (ketorolac) is definitively a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). 1, 2
Drug Classification
Ketorolac tromethamine is classified as a member of the pyrrolo-pyrrole group of NSAIDs. 2 The FDA drug label explicitly states that ketorolac is "a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that exhibits analgesic activity" with its mechanism of action related to prostaglandin synthetase inhibition, consistent with other NSAIDs. 2
Clinical Characteristics
Ketorolac functions as a parenteral NSAID with potent analgesic properties, distinguishing it from most other NSAIDs by its availability in injectable form for intramuscular and intravenous administration. 1, 3
Key Features:
- Onset and duration: Relatively rapid onset of action with duration of approximately 6 hours 1
- Analgesic potency: Comparable to standard doses of morphine and meperidine for moderate to severe pain 3
- Peak effect: Occurs within 2-3 hours after administration 2
Clinical Applications
Ketorolac is categorized alongside other NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen) in treatment guidelines for acute pain management. 1 It is specifically reserved for abortive therapy of severe migraines and acute pain conditions where rebound headache is unlikely. 1
Dosing:
- Intramuscular: 60 mg IM every 15-30 minutes, maximum 120 mg per day 1, 4
- Treatment duration: Should not exceed 5 days 1
NSAID-Class Adverse Effects
Ketorolac shares the characteristic adverse effect profile of all NSAIDs, including gastrointestinal, renal, and hematologic complications. 1, 3 The drug is contraindicated in patients with aspirin/NSAID-induced asthma, pregnancy, and cerebrovascular hemorrhage—contraindications consistent with NSAID class effects. 1, 4
Common NSAID-related risks with ketorolac:
- Gastrointestinal bleeding and peptic ulcer disease 1, 3
- Renal dysfunction (dose adjustments required) 1
- Reversible platelet inhibition and increased bleeding risk 1, 3
- Impaired bone healing (theoretical concern) 1
Important caveat: The risk of serious gastrointestinal or operative site bleeding increases markedly when high doses are used for more than 5 days, especially in elderly patients. 3