Toradol Injection: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Toradol Injection contains the active ingredient ketorolac trometamol and belongs to a group of medicines called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). It is given as an injection into a muscle to relieve pain and reduce inflammation following surgery. While it can relieve symptoms of pain and inflammation, it will not cure the underlying condition. It is intended for short-term use, for no longer than 5 days.

What is Toradol Injection

TORADOL is an injection that contains the active ingredient ketorolac trometamol. It belongs to a family of medicines called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Although it can relieve the symptoms of pain and inflammation, it will not cure your condition.

Toradol Injection uses

• To relieve pain that may occur following surgery
• To reduce inflammation (swelling and soreness) that may occur following surgery

Benefits of Toradol Injection

• Relieves pain following surgery
• Reduces inflammation, swelling and soreness

How Toradol Injection works

TORADOL belongs to a group of medicines called NSAIDs, which work to relieve pain and reduce inflammation such as swelling and soreness.

Toradol Injection dosage

TORADOL is given as an injection into a muscle by a doctor or trained nurse. The injection should not be injected directly into the veins (intravenously). It is given every 4 to 6 hours as required. Do not receive TORADOL for longer than 5 days, as prolonged use may increase the occurrence of side effects. Do not give TORADOL to a child under 16 years of age.

Available forms and strengths

• Injection (10 mg/mL and 30 mg/mL in 1 mL glass ampoules)
• Tablet

Side effects of Toradol Injection

Common

• Stomach upset including nausea, heartburn, indigestion
• Pain in the stomach or wind
• Diarrhoea
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Feeling extremely thirsty
• Skin rash or hives
• Sweating
• Aching muscles, muscle tenderness or weakness not caused by exercise
• Pain at the injection site
• Passing more or less urine than normal

Serious

• Severe dizziness or spinning sensation
• Severe or persistent headache
• Abnormal vision
• Bleeding or bruising more easily than normal, reddish or purplish blotches under the skin
• Severe pain or tenderness in any part of the stomach or back
• Unusual weight gain, swelling of ankles or legs
• Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
• Bleeding from the back passage, black sticky bowel motions or bloody diarrhoea
• Swelling of the face, lips or tongue causing difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Asthma, wheezing, shortness of breath
• Sudden or severe itching, skin rash or hives
• Fainting, seizures or fits
• Pain or tightness in the chest
• Flu-like symptoms with a rash on the face, then an extended rash with a high temperature and enlarged lymph nodes

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use TORADOL if you are allergic to ketorolac trometamol, aspirin or any other NSAID medicine, or any of the ingredients. If you are allergic to aspirin or NSAID medicines, symptoms may be severe.
• Do not receive TORADOL for longer than 5 days. Prolonged use may increase the occurrence of side effects.
• Do not use TORADOL if you have a peptic ulcer or history of one, bleeding disorders, asthma, severe heart failure, or if you have recently had or are about to have heart bypass surgery.
• Do not give TORADOL to a child under 16 years of age; safety and effectiveness in children under 16 have not been established.
• TORADOL may hide some signs of an infection, such as pain and fever, and may make you think the infection is not serious or that you are better.
• Do not take TORADOL if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. It may affect your developing baby. It may also impair fertility and is not recommended in women attempting to conceive.
• Do not take TORADOL if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed. It passes into breast milk and the effect on the baby is not known.
• Do not use TORADOL if you have kidney disease. If you have reduced kidney function, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose.
• Do not use TORADOL if you have severe liver disease.
• Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. If you drink alcohol, dizziness or light-headedness may be worse.
• Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how TORADOL affects you, as it may cause dizziness or light-headedness. If this occurs, do not drive.

Storage

• TORADOL will be stored in the pharmacy or on the hospital ward.
• It is kept in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C.
• It should be protected from light.
• If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.
• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.

When to see a doctor

• Call your doctor straight away, or go straight to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital if you notice very serious side effects such as vomiting blood, bleeding from the back passage, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, wheezing, shortness of breath, fainting, seizures or chest pain.
• Tell your doctor immediately if you notice serious side effects such as severe dizziness, severe headache, abnormal vision, easy bleeding or bruising, severe stomach or back pain, unusual weight gain or swelling of ankles or legs.
• If you think you have received too much TORADOL, seek urgent medical attention by contacting your local poison control center, your doctor, or going to your nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
• Call your doctor straight away if you become pregnant while receiving TORADOL, or if you get an infection soon after receiving it.

Alternatives

• Diclofenac injection
• Ketoprofen injection
• Ibuprofen injection
• Paracetamol (acetaminophen) IV
• Fentanyl injection