Ketorolac tablets

What is this medicine?

KETOROLAC (kee toe ROLE ak) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is used for a short while to treat moderate to severe pain, including pain after surgery. It should not be used for more than 5 days.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not take more than the recommended dose.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 16 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• high blood pressure

• nausea, vomiting

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• severe stomach pain

• signs and symptoms of bleeding such as bloody or black, tarry stools; red or dark-brown urine; spitting up blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds; red spots on the skin; unusual bruising or bleeding from the eye, gums, or nose

• signs and symptoms of a stroke like changes in vision; confusion; trouble speaking or understanding; severe headaches; sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg; trouble walking; dizziness; loss of balance or coordination

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• unexplained weight gain or swelling

• unusually weak or tired

• yellowing of eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• dizziness

• headache

• heartburn

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines

• cidofovir

• methotrexate

• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

• pemetrexed

• probenecid

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• alcohol

• alendronate

• alprazolam

• carbamazepine

• cyclosporine

• diuretics

• flavocoxid

• fluoxetine

• ginkgo

• lithium

• medicines for high blood pressure like enalapril

• medicines that affect platelets like pentoxifylline

• medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like heparin, warfarin

• muscle relaxants

• phenytoin

• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

• thiothixene

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bleeding disorders

• cigarette smoker

• coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery within the past 2 weeks

• drink more than 3 alcohol-containing drinks a day

• heart disease

• high blood pressure

• history of stomach bleeding

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• lung or breathing disease, like asthma

• stomach or intestine problems

• an unusual or allergic reaction to ketorolac, aspirin, other NSAIDs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your pain does not get better. Talk to your doctor before taking another medicine for pain. Do not treat yourself.

This medicine does not prevent heart attack or stroke. In fact, this medicine may increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke. The chance may increase with longer use of this medicine and in people who have heart disease. If you take aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke, talk with your doctor or health care professional.

Do not take medicines such as ibuprofen and naproxen with this medicine. Side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, or ulcers may be more likely to occur. Many medicines available without a prescription should not be taken with this medicine.

This medicine can cause ulcers and bleeding in the stomach and intestines at any time during treatment. Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol. These increase irritation to your stomach and can make it more susceptible to damage from this medicine. Ulcers and bleeding can happen without warning symptoms and can cause death.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

This medicine can cause you to bleed more easily. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.