What You Should Know Before Taking Toradol for Pain

What You Should Know Before Taking Toradol For Pain: Side Effects

The most common side effect of toradol is drowsiness, which occurs in approximately 10% of patients. Drowsiness may occur immediately after taking the drug or several hours later.

Other possible side effects include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache and insomnia. Some patients experience no significant symptoms at all from taking toradol for pain.

How Long Does Toradol Last?

Toradol is effective for up to two weeks. However, some patients report feeling better within one week. Patients may take their medication every four days or less frequently if they are concerned about side effects. If your doctor prescribes daily doses of toradol, you will need to take it with food and drink fluids throughout the day.

Toradol Shot

A toradol shot is a way to quickly get high without having to smoke or inject the drug. A physician inserts a needle into the patient’s arm through an IV (intravenous line) and delivers a dose of toradol directly into the bloodstream.

Most physicians prefer using this method because it takes less time than smoking or injecting the drug, but it can cause severe side effects such as life threatening blood clots and pulmonary emboli.

Is Toradol a Narcotic?

Most physicians agree that Toradol is not a narcotic because it does not come from opium. The drug is classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is legal for patients to possess and use without a prescription in most states. A few states require patients to obtain a written prescription, however, most states allow patients to purchase the drug over the counter at a pharmacy.

Toradol is available in a variety of forms ranging from pills, suppositories and injections. Physicians may prescribe the drug for any condition they believe will benefit from pain-relief, such as migraine headaches, arthritis or surgery.

As an anti-inflammatory, toradol can assist the body in treating painful conditions in a more efficient way than using non-prescription drugs or supplements. Common side effects of toradol include upset stomach, drowsiness and headaches.

Is Toradol Safe?

Physicians do not consider toradol safe for all patients. Certain groups of people should never take the drug such as those who have an allergy to any NSAID drugs, people with gastrointestinal conditions, people with a history of bleeding disorders and women who are pregnant or nursing.

How Does Toradol Work?

Toradol suppresses your body’s production of prostaglandins, which are responsible for inflammation and pain in the body. By stopping the production of these chemicals, the drug can relieve pain in the joints and muscles. Physicians may prescribe toradol in higher dosages to help patients with acute pain conditions caused by injury or surgery.

Is Toradol an Opioid?

No, toradol is not an opioid. Although the drug can produce a sense of euphoria in some patients, it does not act on the opioid receptors in the brain. Instead, it works as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Is Toradol Used to Treat Alcohol Withdrawal?

Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous and may even be life-threatening. Toradol does not reduce the dangerous effects of alcohol withdrawal. It may, however, help ease aches and pains that come with the condition. Physicians typically prescribe the drug to prevent or manage alcohol withdrawal in patients who are addicted to alcohol and need to undergo treatment.

What is the Difference Between Toradol and Tramadol?

Tramadol is an opioid pain medication that has similar effects to opiates such as codeine and morphine. Physicians most commonly prescribe tramadol to patients who need pain relief after surgery or during a traumatic injury. It can also help patients with neuropathic pain such as nerve damage.

Tramadol produces similar effects to opiates in the body and brain by acting upon the opioid receptors. Because the drug can produce a sense of euphoria, people with a history of substance abuse may abuse the drug, which can lead to dependence and addiction.

Not everyone responds to tramadol in the same way. Some people experience serious side effects such as seizures, extreme dizziness, confusion and hallucinations.

Can You Overdose on Toradol?

A toradol overdose occurs when a patient ingests a dangerous amount of the drug. This may occur by taking more than the recommended dosage or by combining the drug with other medications or substances. A toradol overdose can be fatal and should be treated immediately by seeking medical attention.

In most cases, a toradol overdose does not produce any severe effects. The most common side effect is stomach upset and pain.

Other side effects can include ringing in the ears, sleepiness and wheezing.

What is Toradol?

Toradol is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, that helps to reduce pain and swelling by targeting the chemicals that cause inflammation. The medication works by blocking the actions of two chemicals, called prostaglandins, which contribute to pain and inflammation.

Toradol is used to treat various types of pain including dental pain. It can also help patients heal after surgery.

Physicians commonly prescribe the drug for post-operative pain caused by medical conditions such as hernia or tonsillectomy. Other conditions that may qualify a patient for a toradol prescription include menstrual cramps, arthritis and common cold.

How Long Does It Take For Toradol to Work?

The effects of toradol start within one hour and last up to eight hours. Physicians typically recommend that patients start feeling pain relief within two hours after taking the medication.

How Do You Store Toradol?

You should store toradol at room temperature away from moisture and heat. The medication comes in tablet form and patients should store it away from children. Patients should not refrigerate the medication, and if a patient has any leftover medication, he or she should return it to the pharmacy.

What Should I Know About Stopping Toradol?

You should contact your physician at least one week before your scheduled procedure to let him or her know that you will be stopping your toradol treatment. Your physician may also give you instructions on how to safely decrease your dosage over time.

How Long Does It Take For Toradol to Leave Your System?

Patients may experience side effects even after the medication has left their system. These side effects can include stomach pain, dizziness and sleepiness. The time it takes for toradol to leave your system depends on several factors such as your age, weight and health condition. Patients typically start feeling these effects after three days of discontinuing the medication.

Is Toradol Addictive?

Patients do not become physically addicted to toradol, but they can develop a tolerance to the drug if they take it for an extended period of time. If they stop taking it all of a sudden, they may experience flu-like symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach pain and nausea.

Common Side Effects of Toradol

Below are some of the common side effects associated with taking toradol.

Stomach pain

Nausea

Diarrhea

Sleepiness

Dizziness

Tingling sensations

Ringing in the ears

Headache

Difficulty breathing or wheezing

Is Toradol Safe for Children?

If your child is prescribed toradol, make sure he or she does not have any of the health conditions or taking any other drugs that can cause health complications. Be aware that this drug may cause unusual results if a patient tattoos using a tattoo gun while on the medication. Children may also be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug and should take half of a normal dose.

What Conditions Does Toradol Treat?

The FDA approves toradol to treat pain caused by bums, kidney stones and surgery. Physicians may also prescribe this medication for other conditions. The common side effects include nausea, dizziness and sleepiness. Other conditions that can occur include slow heart rate, low blood pressure, breathing issues and ringing in the ears.

Does Toradol Cause Liver Damage?

It is possible, but you should not be too concerned if you are taking the minimal dosage of this drug. Many patients may require higher dosages to treat their pain, however, and these patients may experience liver damage. The signs and symptoms of liver damage include yellowing of the skin or eyes, itchy skin rash and loss of appetite.

Does Toradol Show Up on Drug Tests?

Patients should not worry about the drug tests if they are taking the recommended dosage of toradol. If you are worried, you can always speak to your physician to see if you can switch to another medication. If you are taking too much of the medication, it may show up on the drug tests.

Will Toradol Keep Me Up All Night?

If you have taken too much of the drug or have a condition that pre-disposes you to insomnia, then it may keep you up at night. Otherwise, patients should not experience issues with sleep.

Does Toradol Cause Constipation?

It is possible for toradol to cause constipation, but this is not common. Most patients do not have issues going to the bathroom while taking this medication.

Does Toradol Cause Dry Mouth?

Some patients may experience dry mouth after taking this medication. If you are experiencing extreme issues with dry mouth, speak to your physician about switching to a different drug.

Does Toradol Cause Hair Loss?

There are some reports that toradol may cause hair loss or grey hair. If this is a major concern for you, discuss it with your physician.

Does Toradol Cause Itching?

Some patients taking this drug experience itching. If you experience any sort of skin rash, hives or itching, speak to your physician about switching to a different type of medication.

Does Toradol Cause Dizziness?

Some patients experience dizziness after taking this medication. The dizziness should pass after a few hours. If the medication makes you feel excessively dizzy or sick, speak to your physician about switching to a different type of medication.

Does Toradol Show Up On Drug Tests?

This drug does show up on most standard drug tests, so if you are concerned about your job or the authorities, this is not the drug for you. Patients should not be worried about drug tests if they are taking the recommended dosage of toradol. If you are taking too much of this medication, it may show up on the drug tests.

What Is The Dosage For Toradol?

The dosages for this drug vary based on your weight and other medical conditions. The standard dosage for adults is 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours. Make sure to follow your physician’s directions.

What Is The Most Effective Way To Take Toradol?

The most effective way to take this medication is to take it exactly how your physician instructs you. If you are still experiencing pain, ask your physician about increasing your dosage or switching to a different pain medication.

Who Should Not Take Toradol?

Make sure not to take this medication if you:

Are allergic to ketorolac tromethamine or any other ingredients in the medication

Have a hemorrhagic stroke

Have a bleeding problem such as hemophilia

If you are unsure if you should take this drug, speak to your physician. Do not take this drug if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding.

What Happens If I Take Too Much Toradol?

If you take too much of this drug, call your physician or emergency services (911) immediately. Symptoms of an overdose include:

Breathing difficulties

Chest pain

Confusion

Dizziness

Fainting

Hallucinations

Severe abdominal pain

Stomach pain (that feels like heartburn)

Vomiting that contains blood

Black stool or blood in your urine or stool

Severe muscle weakness, inability to walk or with severe pain in your arms, legs, back or chest.

Why Was I Put On Toradol?

You should only take this drug if your physician prescribes it. He or she may prescribe this for you if you have:

Acute pain caused by an injury

Fever

Period pain

While you may be prescribed this medication, it is important for you to understand how to take this drug properly and what the potential side effects are. Your physician may also prescribe medication to help counter the side effects of this drug.

If you are experiencing severe chest pain, confusion, difficulty breathing or a lot of sweating after taking this drug, contact your physician immediately.

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, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose unless your physician specifically tells you to do so.

What Happens If I Overdose?

If you overdose, call your local emergency number (such as 911) or your physician immediately.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

Body aches

Breathing difficulties

Chills

Cold sweat

Confusion

Diarrhea

Dizziness

Fever over 104 degrees Fahrenheit or below 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit

Headache

Muscle aches

Nausea, vomiting or stomach pain

Pale skin

Severe fatigue or tiredness

Severe stomach pain or stomach pain that feels like heartburn, chest pain or aching in your arms, legs, back or chest

Shaking, sweating or fevers (above 101 degrees Fahrenheit) without any other cause

Skin rash, itchiness or discoloration

Stomach pain or tenderness

Unusual bleeding or bruising

Unusual nosebleeds or bleeding from your gums

Vasodilatation or flushing (face, neck, ears, arms and upper chest)

Weakness in arms, legs or shoulder

Yellowing of the skin or eyes

What Are The Side Effects Of Toradol?

Most people will not experience all of the side effects listed below. If you have any of the following side effects and they are severe or do not go away, call your physician or seek medical attention immediately.

More Common: These side effects are common among those who take this medication and may include:

Abdominal pain

Acne

Agitation or restlessness

Anxiety

Bloating or fullness in the upper abdomen (epigastric region)

Constipation or diarrhea

Diaphoresis or profuse sweating

Dry mouth and nose

Fatigue or tiredness

Headache

Increased heart rate and higher blood pressure

Muscle twitches

Nausea or vomiting

Runny nose

Swelling of feet, legs, or ankles

Trouble sleeping or insomnia

Upset stomach or throwing up

Less Common: These side effects are less common among those who take this medication and may include:

Dizziness or lightheadedness (especially when standing suddenly)

Fainting or near fainting when getting up suddenly

Sources & references used in this article:

Intracostal sutures decrease the pain of thoracotomy by RJ Cerfolio, TN Price, AS Bryant, CS Bass… – The Annals of thoracic …, 2003 – Elsevier

Nurses’ aims when managing pediatric postoperative pain: Is what they say the same as what they do? by A Twycross, GA Finley – Journal for specialists in pediatric …, 2014 – Wiley Online Library

Before the scalpel: what everyone should know about anesthesia by ME Williamson – 1996 – Bloomsbury Publishing USA

What you should know about anesthesia–it could save your life by P Dhar – 2009 – books.google.com

Understanding pain: What you need to know to take control by N Gould, RG Park – medicpdf.com