Toradol, also known as Ketorolac, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat acute, moderately severe pain that occurs following surgery. It is only recommended for short-term use (up to five days) and is not suitable for mild or chronic pain. While Toradol can be effective in pain management, it is important to be aware of the associated risks, especially for individuals who have had a stroke or are at risk of having one.
NSAIDs like Toradol have been linked to an increased risk of stroke and heart attack, which can be fatal. This risk is higher for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, those taking higher doses, and those using the medication long-term. As a result, Toradol is typically not recommended for people with a history of stroke or cardiovascular disease.
It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before taking Toradol or any NSAID, especially if you have a history of stroke or cardiovascular issues. They can advise you on the benefits and risks of the medication and determine if it is suitable for your specific situation.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Toradol brand name availability | Discontinued in the US, but generic equivalents are available under the name of ketorolac |
Drug class | Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) |
Usage | Short-term (up to 5 days) relief of moderate to severe acute pain, often after surgery |
Usage restrictions | Should not be used for mild pain, long-term painful conditions, or by people with active peptic ulcer disease or gastrointestinal bleeding |
Side effects | Dyspepsia, abdominal pain, headache, flatulence, dizziness, high blood pressure, sweating, rashes, tinnitus, and other gastrointestinal upsets |
Risk factors | Increased risk of heart attack or stroke, especially with long-term use, high doses, or pre-existing heart disease |
What You'll Learn
Toradol and the risk of stroke
Toradol (generic name: ketorolac) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to treat moderate to severe acute pain for up to five days. It works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. It is typically used to treat pain after surgery.
Toradol can increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke, especially with long-term use, high doses, or in people with heart disease. It is recommended that people do not use Toradol if they have had a recent heart attack or stroke without first consulting a healthcare provider, as this could increase the risk of another cardiovascular event.
A study in Taiwan found that the use of any NSAID, including Toradol, within 30 days before a stroke was associated with an increased risk of stroke, ranging from a 20% to 90% increase for most oral NSAIDs. Oral Toradol was linked to the greatest increase in risk, at 2.6 times the risk of stroke.
It is important to note that Toradol is not recommended for people who have had a recent stroke or who are at high risk of bleeding. It should also not be used by people with active peptic ulcer disease or gastrointestinal bleeding. Combining Toradol with alcohol may also increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding.
In summary, Toradol can increase the risk of stroke, especially with long-term use, high doses, or in people with existing heart disease. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking Toradol, especially if there is a history of stroke or other cardiovascular events.
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Toradol and the risk of heart attack
Toradol, a brand name for ketorolac, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for short-term relief of moderate to severe acute pain. It is typically used for no more than five days and is often administered after surgery. Toradol works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. It is available as an oral tablet or injection.
While Toradol is an effective pain reliever, it is associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk is higher in individuals who use Toradol long-term, take high doses, or have existing heart disease. It is imperative that individuals who have recently had a heart attack do not take Toradol unless explicitly directed to do so by a doctor.
Signs and symptoms of a heart attack or stroke that users should be vigilant for include:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Fast or abnormal heartbeat
- Pain in the back, jaw, throat, or arm
- Sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizziness
- Sudden weakness on one side of the body
- Sudden and severe headache
- Slurred speech or trouble understanding speech
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical help immediately.
Additionally, Toradol may cause other serious side effects, including:
- Stomach bleeding
- Ulcers and tears in the stomach or intestine
- Kidney damage
- Liver damage
- Severe allergic reactions
- Severe skin reactions
- Increased blood pressure
- Anemia
It is important to note that Toradol has been discontinued under the brand name, but generic equivalents of ketorolac are still available.
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Toradol and the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding
Toradol, also known as ketorolac, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to treat acute, moderately severe pain that occurs following surgery. It is available as a generic drug and is administered via injection or tablet.
Toradol is associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, especially in older patients or those taking other medicines that affect the stomach. The risk of gastrointestinal bleeding is also higher for those with a history of stomach ulcers, bleeding problems, high doses of Toradol, longer durations of use, poor health, age 60 or older, liver disease, smoking, alcohol consumption, or the use of certain other medications.
Combining Toradol with alcohol or taking it for longer than the recommended duration of five days can increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding. It is important to note that Toradol should not be used for more than five days in total, as longer use can increase the risk of stomach and kidney problems.
A study found that the overall association between ketorolac use and gastrointestinal bleeding is small. However, the risk is larger and clinically significant when ketorolac is used in higher doses, in older individuals, or for more than five days. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the prescribed dosage and duration of use to minimise the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
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Toradol and the risk of allergic reaction
Toradol, also known as Ketorolac, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to treat acute, moderately severe pain that occurs following surgery. It is available as a generic drug and is administered via injection or oral tablets.
Toradol can cause severe allergic reactions, including a specific type of allergic reaction called Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS). This is a reaction that can affect multiple parts of the body, including the liver, kidneys, and heart.
People who have experienced hypersensitivity or allergic-type reactions to aspirin or other NSAIDs in the past should not take Toradol. This includes those who have had asthma-like symptoms, hives, or other allergic reactions to aspirin or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen.
Some of the signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction to Toradol include:
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or hives
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
- Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Angioedema, or swelling of the face, eyes, throat, tongue, arms, hands, ankles, or lower legs
- Erythematous rashes, or red skin lesions
- Wheezing and stridor, or a whistling or rattling sound when breathing
If you experience any of these symptoms after taking Toradol, seek emergency medical help immediately, as severe allergic reactions can be life-threatening.
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Toradol and the risk of kidney failure
Toradol, also known as Ketorolac, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to treat acute, moderately severe pain that occurs following surgery. It is available in the form of tablets that are taken by mouth or injections. It is meant to be used only when needed and for a short term (up to 5 days).
Toradol can cause serious side effects, including an increased risk of kidney damage. It should not be used by people with moderate-to-severe kidney problems or those who are dehydrated. It is contraindicated in patients with advanced renal impairment and in patients at risk for renal failure due to volume depletion. In patients with reduced creatinine clearance, Toradol should be used with caution as it can result in diminished clearance of the drug. There have been reports of acute renal failure, interstitial nephritis, and nephrotic syndrome associated with the use of Toradol.
Additionally, Toradol may cause other serious side effects such as gastrointestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. It can also increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, especially with longer use and higher doses. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking Toradol to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual needs.
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