Ketorolac Dosing

When it comes to the tablet form of ketorolac, dosing guidelines for adults under the age of 65 without any other medical problems generally call for an initial dose of 20 mg, followed by 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, ketorolac dosing generally is 10 mg every four to six hours. For both groups of people taking tablets, the daily dose of ketorolac should not exceed 40 mg daily.

 

Ketorolac Dosing: An Introduction

The dose of ketorolac tromethamine (Toradol®) 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.
     
As always, do not adjust your ketorolac dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Ketorolac Dosing for Acute Pain

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 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 of ketorolac.
 
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.
 
(Ketorolac Dosing Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;