Ketorol DT Tablet: Uses, Composition, Side Effects & FAQs

Ketorol DT is a tablet of ketorolac tromethamine, a strong NSAID painkiller that eases pain and swelling. Doctors prescribe it for moderately severe acute pain, usually after an operation, for no more than 5 days. It usually continues treatment that was started with a ketorolac injection in hospital; it is not a tablet you start on your own. In India it is a prescription-only medicine, so you cannot buy it without a valid doctor's prescription.

Ketorol DT is a prescription painkiller in tablet form. It contains 10 mg of ketorolac tromethamine, an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). NSAIDs are a group of medicines that ease pain and swelling without being steroids.

Check the exact strength printed on your pack; it may vary between variants.

Ketorolac blocks an enzyme your body uses to make prostaglandins. These chemicals make pain nerve endings more sensitive and cause swelling around an injury. With less of them, the pain signal becomes quieter and swelling eases, though the cause of the pain is still there.

Doctors usually prescribe Ketorol DT for:

• Pain after an operation, including surgery on your teeth or gums, when the pain is strong enough to need a strong painkiller.
• Moderately severe acute pain that has just started, when your doctor judges that the pain needs relief at a level only a strong painkiller gives.
• Continuing treatment after a ketorolac injection, when your doctor moves you from the hospital injection to tablets for a few days.

It does not treat the cause of your pain. It will not help mild pain such as an ordinary headache, and it is not meant for long-term pain such as arthritis. It is also not an antibiotic.

Using a strong NSAID for chronic pain raises the risk of stomach bleeding and kidney problems without giving lasting relief.

1. Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you.
2. This tablet continues a course that began with a ketorolac injection in hospital. Do not start it on your own for a new pain.
3. Swallow it with a glass of water, and take it with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.
4. Leave at least 4 hours between doses; most people take it every 4 to 6 hours.
5. Do not take it for more than 5 days in total, including any ketorolac injection you were given.
6. Stop when the pain settles, and do not keep taking it just in case.

Your doctor decides the dose, based on your age, weight, kidney function and the type of pain. For adults aged 17 to 64, the first tablet is usually 20 mg, followed by 10 mg every 4 to 6 hours if needed, up to a maximum of 40 mg in 24 hours.

People aged 65 or older, those who weigh under 50 kg, and anyone with kidney problems usually take 10 mg as the first tablet, then 10 mg every 4 to 6 hours, with the same 40 mg limit in 24 hours.

Never increase the dose on your own. A higher dose does not ease pain better, but it does raise the risk of stomach bleeding and kidney damage.

Ketorol DT is not for children or teenagers under 17. If someone takes too many tablets, go to the nearest hospital emergency department straight away, or call 112 for an ambulance, and carry the strip or box with you.

Take it as soon as you remember. If the next dose is close, skip the missed one. Never take two doses together to make up for a missed one.

The pain-relieving effect builds over 2 to 3 hours and is strongest then. If the pain is not settling, or is still there after 5 days, see your doctor rather than continue the tablets.

Keep the strip cool and dry, away from sunlight and moisture. Store it out of reach of children, and check the expiry date.

Most people take Ketorol DT for a few days without any trouble. Side effects, when they happen, are usually mild and pass.

Common and mild:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Indigestion, heartburn or stomach pain
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Headache
• Dizziness or drowsiness
• Sweating

Like all NSAIDs, it can raise the risk of a heart attack or stroke, especially in people who already have heart disease.

Rare but serious (stop the medicine and see a doctor right away):

• Black, tarry stools or vomiting blood
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side or slurred speech
• Swelling of the face, lips or throat, trouble breathing, or a rash with blisters or fever
• Yellow skin or eyes, or dark urine
• Passing much less urine than usual, or swelling of the feet, ankles or hands

Most of these problems come from how NSAIDs work, and the risk rises with higher doses, longer use, older age and a past history of ulcers.

Do not take Ketorol DT if you:

• Are allergic to ketorolac, or had asthma or hives with an NSAID
• Have an active ulcer, recent stomach bleeding or a bleeding disorder
• Have advanced kidney disease or are dehydrated
• Have had a recent heart attack, stroke or heart bypass surgery
• Are due for major surgery
• Are in late pregnancy, in labour or breastfeeding

Tell your doctor before taking Ketorol DT if you have:

• A history of stomach ulcers or heartburn — NSAIDs can make these worse.
• Kidney or liver disease — the dose may need to change.
• Heart failure or high blood pressure — NSAIDs can strain the heart.
• Asthma — some people with asthma react badly to NSAIDs.
• Age 65 or above, or a body weight under 50 kg — side effects are more likely.
• Planned surgery or dental work — tell the surgeon or dentist first.
• Pregnancy — avoid it, especially after 20 weeks.
• Diabetes, or dehydration from vomiting or diarrhoea — these raise the risk of kidney problems.

Always tell your doctor about every medicine, supplement or home remedy you use. Avoid alcohol while you take Ketorol DT, as it raises the risk of stomach bleeding.

Ketorol DT only eases pain briefly. Get medical help quickly if you have:

• Black, tarry or bloody stools, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, or weakness or numbness on one side
• Swelling of the face, lips or throat, or trouble breathing
• A rash, blisters or fever
• Yellow skin or eyes, much less urine than usual, or swelling of the feet and ankles
• Pain that is still bad after 5 days, or keeps coming back

Ketorol DT is a strong short-term painkiller for moderately severe acute pain, usually after surgery. Take it exactly as prescribed, and never alongside another NSAID. Common side effects such as nausea and indigestion usually settle. The serious risks are rare but real, so report stomach pain, black stools or an allergic reaction at once.