Ketorolac vs. Tramadol for Pain: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Ketorolac

(Toradol)

Tramadol

Summary for Ketorolac

Prescription only

Ketorolac (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.

Indications for Ketorolac

Short-term, moderate to severe pain in adults

Pros and Cons for Ketorolac

Pros

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 medications

Cons

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 days

Common Side Effects for Ketorolac

The following side effects occurred in at least 10% of people during clinical studies:

Stomach pain
Nausea
Indigestion
Headache

Warnings for Ketorolac

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 reactions

Summary for Tramadol

Prescription only

Tramadol 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 for Tramadol

Pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications alone

Pros and Cons for Tramadol

Pros

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 opioids

Cons

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 breastfeeding

Common Side Effects for Tramadol

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 for Tramadol

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 levels

Prices with our coupons for Ketorolac vs. Tramadol

Ketorolac20 tablets / 10mg

$17.00-

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Tramadol60 tablets / 50mg

$15.77$41.18

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Ketorolac vs. Tramadol

Ketorolac

Tramadol

Summary for Ketorolac

Indications for Ketorolac

Pros and Cons for Ketorolac

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Ketorolac

Warnings for Ketorolac

Summary for Tramadol

Indications for Tramadol

Pros and Cons for Tramadol

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Tramadol

Warnings for Tramadol

Prices with our coupons for Ketorolac vs. Tramadol

Compare other Pain drugs

Browse medications by letter

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Ketorolac

Tramadol

Summary for Ketorolac

Indications for Ketorolac

Pros and Cons for Ketorolac

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Ketorolac

Warnings for Ketorolac

Summary for Tramadol

Indications for Tramadol

Pros and Cons for Tramadol

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Tramadol

Warnings for Tramadol