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Compare Toradol vs. Advil

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Ketorolac (generic name: ketorolac) and ibuprofen (generic name: ibuprofen) are both non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to relieve pain. However, they have some key differences. Ketorolac is typically used for short-term, moderate to severe pain and is available only by prescription. It is often started with an injection in a hospital setting and then continued with oral tablets for a maximum of 5 days due to the risk of severe side effects like heart attack and stomach ulcers. On the other hand, ibuprofen is available both over-the-counter and by prescription, and it is used for a wider range of conditions, including minor aches, fever, and arthritis pain. Ibuprofen can be taken for longer periods but also carries risks like stomach bleeding and kidney problems, especially with long-term use. While both medications should not be taken together or with other NSAIDs, ibuprofen is more accessible and can be used by children in specific formulations.

  • Ketorolac (Toradol)
    Ibuprofen
  • Ketorolac (Toradol)
    Ibuprofen

  • Summary of Toradol vs. Advil

    Summary for NSAID
    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.

    Summary for NSAID

    Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that's used to temporarily relieve fever, pains, and aches in adults and children. In general, ibuprofen is taken by mouth every 4 to 8 hours, though the dosage depends on your age, weight, and other medical problems. Ibuprofen side effects include nausea, heartburn, and stomach pain, but taking it with food might help prevent these side effects. Ibuprofen is available over the counter and by prescription, depending on the strength you need.

  • Indications of Toradol vs. Advil

    Indications for
    •Short-term, moderate to severe pain in adults
    Indications for

    Over-the-counter ibuprofen:

    •Short-term relief of minor aches and pains due to headache, muscle aches, minor arthritis pain, toothache, backache, the common cold, or menstrual cramps
    •Fever

    Prescription ibuprofen:

    •Mild-to-moderate pain
    •Pain from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis (OA)
    •Pain from menstrual cramps

  • Pros and Cons of Toradol vs. Advil

    Pros and Const for NSAID
    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
    Pros and Const for NSAID
    Pros
    •Works well for fever, pain, and swelling
    •Available over the counter and by prescription and as lower-cost generics
    •Available as tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, and an oral liquid
    •Chewable tablets and liquid can be used in children
    Cons
    •Lasts for only about 6 hours, so might need to take multiple doses throughout the day
    •Might not be the best option if you're 65 years or older or if you have kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problems
    •Has risk of stomach bleeding, stomach ulcers, and kidney problems
    •Shouldn't take other NSAIDs at the same time because of higher risk for side effects

  • Common Side Effects of Toradol vs. Advil

    Common Side Effects for

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

    •Stomach pain
    •Nausea
    •Indigestion
    •Headache
    Common Side Effects for

    The following side effects were reported in up to 9% of people in clinical studies.

    •Nausea
    •Stomach pain
    •Heartburn
    •Dizziness
    •Rash

  • Warnings of Toradol vs. Advil

    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 reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach bleeding and ulcers
    •Heart attack and stroke
    •High blood pressure and heart failure
    •Kidney damage
    •Liver problems
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Harm to unborn babies
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - chewable tablets only

  • Prices with our coupons for Toradol vs. Advil

    Learn more about Ketorolac
    Learn more about Ibuprofen

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