Drugs
-
Review Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Ketorolac. A review of its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, and therapeutic potential.
Ketorolac is a non-steroidal agent with potent analgesic and moderate anti-inflammatory activity. It is administered as the tromethamine salt orally, intramuscularly, intravenously, and as a topical ophthalmic solution. Clinical studies indicate single-dose efficacy greater than that of morphine, pethidine (meperidine) and pentazocine in moderate to severe postoperative pain, with some evidence of a more favourable adverse effect profile than morphine or pethidine. ⋯ From the limited clinical data available, ketorolac also seems promising in the treatment of ocular inflammatory conditions. Additional multiple-dose studies are required to evaluate fully the potential of ketorolac in the management of chronic pain states where it has shown superior efficacy to aspirin. In summary, ketorolac offers promise as an alternative to opioid and to other nonsteroidal analgesics in ameliorating moderate to severe postsurgical pain, and with wider clinical experience may find a place in the treatment of acute musculoskeletal and other pain states, and ocular inflammatory conditions.