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Compare Toradol vs. Tramadol

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

Key takeaways

Toradol (ketorolac) and tramadol (Conzip, Qdolo) are both pain medications, but are different types. Toradol is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and tramadol is an opioid medication. NSAIDs are typically preferred over opioids for pain because they have fewer risks. But toradol isn’t the most commonly used NSAID, though it’s considered the one of the most potent. Unlike most NSAIDs, it isn’t available over the counter and requires a prescription. And it should only be used for up to 5 days. Tramadol is a controlled substance (though Toradol isn’t). Tramadol can have side effects, including sleepiness, dizziness, and stomach upset. More seriously, it can lead to overdose and misuse. Toradol can also cause an upset stomach and swelling. More seriously, it can increase your risk of bleeding or ulcers. You should avoid mixing either medication with alcohol. Toradol is a brand-name of ketorolac that’s no longer available, but we’ll use the name here because it’s well-known.

  • Ketorolac (Toradol)
    Tramadol
  • Ketorolac (Toradol)
    Tramadol

  • Summary of Toradol vs. Tramadol

    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 Opioid
    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 of Toradol vs. Tramadol

    Indications for
    •Short-term, moderate to severe pain in adults
    Indications for
    •Pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications alone

  • Pros and Cons of Toradol vs. Tramadol

    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 Opioid
    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 of Toradol vs. Tramadol

    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
    •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 Toradol 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 reactions
    Common 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 levels

  • Prices with our coupons for Toradol vs. Tramadol

    Learn more about Ketorolac
    Learn more about Tramadol

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