Ketorolac Safety: What You Need to Know About Risks and Alternatives

When you need fast, strong pain relief, ketorolac, a potent nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for short-term moderate to severe pain. Also known as Toradol, it works quickly—but it’s not a casual choice. Unlike ibuprofen or naproxen, ketorolac carries real risks that don’t show up on a label until it’s too late. It’s not meant for daily use, not for back pain you’ve had for months, and definitely not for someone with kidney issues or a history of stomach ulcers. The FDA warns it shouldn’t be used for more than five days, and for good reason: the longer you take it, the higher your chance of serious bleeding, kidney damage, or even heart problems.

That’s why Toradol, the brand name for ketorolac, often prescribed in hospitals or after surgery is rarely given as a take-home script. It’s a tool for acute pain, not chronic management. People often think stronger equals better, but with ketorolac, that’s dangerous thinking. It’s not safer than opioids just because it’s not an opioid—it just shifts the risk. If you’re on blood thinners, have high blood pressure, or are over 65, your body handles ketorolac differently. Studies show older adults are far more likely to develop gastrointestinal bleeding on this drug than on regular NSAIDs. And if you’re using it for a sprained ankle or a headache, you’re probably better off with something less aggressive.

That’s where NSAID alternatives, like ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen, which carry lower risk profiles for long-term use come in. Most people don’t need ketorolac at all. A 400mg dose of ibuprofen can handle most post-surgical pain just fine, with way fewer side effects. Even topical NSAIDs or cold therapy can reduce swelling without putting your stomach or kidneys at risk. The real question isn’t whether ketorolac works—it does, fast. It’s whether you need it, and whether the trade-off is worth it.

You’ll find posts here that break down exactly how ketorolac stacks up against other pain relievers, who should never touch it, what symptoms mean trouble, and how to spot a pharmacy trying to push it unnecessarily. Some articles compare it to ibuprofen in real-world use. Others show how doctors monitor kidney function when it’s given. There’s even a guide on what to do if you’ve been taking it longer than you should. This isn’t about marketing. It’s about knowing when to say no to a drug that sounds powerful but could cost you more than it helps.