Ketorolac
tablets film-coated, ampoules

Ketorolac tromethamine tablets only come in one strength -- ketorolac 10 mg tablets. However, the injectable version of this medication is available in several strengths. Ketorolac may be given in a variety of ways for pain relief. For adults, it may be administered through an IV or an injection on an as-needed basis or every six hours. Ketorolac may also be given in tablet form to those people who have received the medication through an IV or injection.

The tablet dose for adults under the age of 65 without any other medical problems is ketorolac 20 mg for the first dose, followed by ketorolac 10 mg every four to six hours as needed. For those who are over the age of 65, those who have kidney problems, and those who weigh less than 110 pounds, the usual recommended dose of ketorolac tablets is 10 mg every four to six hours. In either group, the maximum daily dose should not exceed 40 mg.

Do not take ketorolac for more than five days. This includes both days when you receive the medicine through an IV or injection and those days when you take the medicine by mouth.

Dosing & Introduction :
The dose of ketorolac tromethamine your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
* Your age
* Your weight
* Other medical conditions you may have
* Other medications you may be currently taking.

Some considerations for people taking ketorolac include the following:
* If you are taking ketorolac tablets, take your dosage by mouth with food and a full glass of water.

* For ketorolac to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Ketorolac will not work if you take it in a way other than how your healthcare provider prescribes.

* If you do not take your ketorolac as scheduled, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with normal dosing. Do not take double the dose at one time.

* Do not take your ketorolac dosage with other NSAIDs. Generally, it is okay to take it with acetaminophen

* If you are unsure about anything related to ketorolac or your ketorolac dosage, please talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Do not stop taking ketorolac without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

Side Effects :
 As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with ketorolac. Yet not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. When people do develop side effects, in many cases they are minor, meaning that they require no treatment or are easily treated by the patient or his or her healthcare provider. However, there are some less common but serious side effects that can occur with this drug.

Common side effects of ketorolac include (but are not limited to):
* Headache
* Abdominal pain (or stomach pain)
* Nausea
* Heartburn or indigestion
* Diarrhea
* Dizziness
* Drowsiness
* Swelling.

Less common but serious side effects include:
* Unexplained bleeding
* Stomach or intestinal problems, including bleeding, an ulcer, or a hole (known as a perforation)
* Liver damage
* Kidney problems, including kidney failure
* Congestive heart failure
* Allergic reaction
* Unexplained rash.
These possible serious side effects can lead to life-threatening complications or even loss of life .

Warnings and Precautions  :
Before taking ketorolac tromethamine , let your healthcare provider know if you have:
* Asthma
* Heart disease, including congestive heart failure
* High blood pressure (hypertension)
* Liver disease or liver failure
* Kidney disease or kidney failure
* Bleeding problems (or if you are taking medicine that decreases your blood's ability to clot)
* Diabetes
* Nasal polyps
* Seizures
* A history of hallucinations
* Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus)
* Stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding, or a history of either condition
* Any allergies to medicines, including aspirin or other NSAID pain medicines.

Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
* Are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant
* Are breastfeeding
* Drink alcohol frequently
* Smoke
* Are having or have recently had heart surgery.

Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, aspirin, other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), probenecid, vitamins, and herbal supplements.