Compare Ketorolac vs. Tramadol
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
- Ketorolac (Toradol)Tramadol
- Ketorolac (Toradol)Tramadol
Summary of Ketorolac vs. Tramadol
Summary for NSAIDPrescription onlyKetorolac (Toradol) is a prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It provides pain relief by blocking certain chemicals in your body that cause pain and inflammation. But ketorolac (Toradol) is meant for short-term use only due to the risk for severe side effects, such as heart attack and stomach ulcers. Typically, ketorolac (Toradol) is first given as an injection in a hospital or clinic setting. After that, you'll likely continue treatment with the oral tablets, which are taken every 4 to 6 hours for a maximum of 5 days. Your care team will help you transition to a safer alternative pain medication as soon as possible.
Summary for OpioidPrescription onlyTramadol is an opioid pain medication used when non-opioid medications aren't working well enough to control pain. Compared to other opioids, tramadol might have a lower risk of misuse and dependency. But tramadol is a controlled substance and has a lot of potentially serious risks, so it must be used with caution.
Indications of Ketorolac vs. Tramadol
Indications for•Short-term, moderate to severe pain in adultsIndications for•Pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications alonePros and Cons of Ketorolac vs. Tramadol
Pros and Const for NSAIDPros•Works well to treat short-term pain•Available as tablets and as an injection•Has been shown to work as well as morphine for treating pain due to certain conditions, so might be a good option for people who can't take opioid pain medicationsCons•Not recommended during pregnancy•Might not be the best option if you're 65 years or older, or have kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problems•Can only use for up to 5 daysPros and Const for OpioidPros•Extended-release tablets and ConZip capsules are taken once per day and last throughout the day.•Immediate-release tablets are available as a lower-cost generic.•Possible lower risk of misuse and dependency compared to other opioidsCons•A controlled medication, so there are special requirements to get a prescription filled•Must slowly lower the dose to stop the medication after long-term use to avoid withdrawal symptoms•Can't use in some children due to higher risk of potentially severe and life-threatening side effects•Not recommended while breastfeedingCommon Side Effects of Ketorolac vs. Tramadol
Common Side Effects forThe following side effects occurred in at least 10% of people during clinical studies:
•Stomach pain•Nausea•Indigestion•HeadacheCommon Side Effects for•Constipation (up to 46%)•Nausea (up to 40%)•Dizziness (up to 33%)•Headache (up to 32%)•Sleepiness (up to 25%)•Vomiting (up to 17%)Warnings of Ketorolac vs. Tramadol
Common Side Effects for•Serious bleeds•Heart attack and stroke•Kidney damage•Don't take with other NSAIDs•Higher risk of serious side effects•High blood pressure and heart failure•Liver damage•Severe allergic reactionsCommon Side Effects for•Potential for addiction and misuse•Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)•Overdose•Harm to newborn babies•Drug interactions•Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness•Serotonin syndrome•Seizures•Low blood pressure•Low adrenal hormone levels•Physical dependence and withdrawal•Low blood sodium levelsPrices with our coupons for Ketorolac vs. Tramadol
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