Ketorolac
Also known as: Toradol, Acular
> **Important Safety Warning**: Ketorolac is a very strong pain reliever, but it can cause severe stomach ulcers and kidney damage in pets if not used exactly as directed. - **Strict Dosing**: Never give this medication for longer than prescribed (usually limited to 1-3 days maximum). Do not give more frequently than directed. - **Watch for Side Effects**: Stop the medication immediately and notify your veterinarian if you notice any signs of stomach upset, including loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, **black/tarry stools**, or blood in the stool. - **Behavioral Changes**: Contact your vet if your pet becomes unusually depressed, lethargic, or weak. - **Do Not Mix**: Never give ketorolac with other pain relievers (like aspirin, Rimadyl, Metacam, or steroids) unless specifically instructed by your veterinarian.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- As an analgesic
- Anterior uveitis and ulcerative keratitis
- As an analgesic (Mice)
- As an analgesic (Rats)
- As an analgesic
- As an analgesic
- As an analgesic
- Anterior uveitis and ulcerative keratitis
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Gastrointestinal ulceration and erosion
- Gastrointestinal perforation
- Renal toxicity
- Hepatic toxicity
- Platelet inhibition (increased bleeding risk)
- Local ocular irritation
- Delayed corneal epithelial healing
- Increased intraocular pressure (IOP)
- Corneal 'melting' (keratomalacia) - reported in humans, theoretical risk in animals
Cautions & contraindications
- Active GI ulcers
- History of hypersensitivity to ketorolac
- Pre-existing hematologic, renal, or hepatic disease (relative contraindication)
- Known hypersensitivity to NSAIDs
- Use with extreme caution in patients with deep or progressive corneal ulcers
- Use cautiously in patients with a history of GI ulcers, heart failure (may cause fluid retention), and in geriatric patients. Long-term use (>3 days) is not recommended in dogs due to a high tendency to cause gastric erosion and ulcers. Animals suffering from inflammation secondary to concomitant infection should receive appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
Drug interactions
- ACE INHIBITORS: Increased risk for nephrotoxicity
- ALPRAZOLAM: Hallucinations reported in some human patients taking with ketorolac
- AMINOGLYCOSIDES (gentamicin, amikacin, etc.): Increased risk for nephrotoxicity
- ANTICOAGULANTS (heparin, LMWH, warfarin): Increased risk for bleeding possible
- ASPIRIN: Increased likelihood of GI adverse effects (blood loss)
- BISPHOSPHONATES (alendronate, etc.): May increase risk for GI ulceration
- CORTICOSTEROIDS: Concomitant administration with NSAIDs may significantly increase the risks for GI adverse effects
- CYCLOSPORINE: May increase risk for nephrotoxicity
- FLUCONAZOLE: May increase NSAID levels
- FLUOXETINE: Hallucinations reported in some human patients taking with ketorolac
- FUROSEMIDE: Ketorolac may reduce the saluretic and diuretic effects of furosemide
Frequently asked questions
What is Ketorolac used for in pets?
> **Important Safety Warning**: Ketorolac is a very strong pain reliever, but it can cause severe stomach ulcers and kidney damage in pets if not used exactly as directed. - **Strict Dosing**: Never give this medication for longer than prescribed (usually limited to 1-3 days maximum). Do not give more frequently than directed. - **Watch for Side Effects**: Stop the medication immediately and notify your veterinarian if you notice any signs of stomach upset, including loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, **black/tarry stools**, or blood in the stool. - **Behavioral Changes**: Contact your vet if your pet becomes unusually depressed, lethargic, or weak. - **Do Not Mix**: Never give ketorolac with other pain relievers (like aspirin, Rimadyl, Metacam, or steroids) unless specifically instructed by your veterinarian.
Is Ketorolac safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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