Brand name:

Toradol

Why is Toradol prescribed?

Toradol, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is used to relieve moderately severe, acute pain. It is prescribed for a limited amount of time (no more than 5 days for adults and as a single dose for children), not for long-term therapy.

Most important fact about Toradol

Toradol can cause serious side effects, including ulcers and internal bleeding. Never take it for more than 5 days.

How should you take Toradol?

Toradol works fastest when taken on an empty stomach, but an antacid can be taken if it causes upset. Take Toradol exactly as prescribed.

Take Toradol with a full glass of water. Also, do not lie down for about 20 minutes after taking it. This will help to prevent irritation of your upper digestive tract.

--If you miss a dose...

If you take Toradol on a regular schedule, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature, away from light.

Toradol side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue using Toradol.

• Side effects may include:
  Diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, indigestion, nausea, stomach and intestinal pain, swelling due to fluid retention

Why should Toradol not be prescribed?

Do not take Toradol if it has ever given you an allergic reaction. Also avoid Toradol if you have ever had an allergic reaction--such as nasal polyps (tumors), swelling of the face, limbs, and throat, hives, wheezing, light-headedness--to aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Motrin.

Do not take Toradol if you have ever had a peptic ulcer or stomach or intestinal bleeding. Avoid it if you have severe kidney disease or bleeding problems.

Never combine Toradol with aspirin, NSAIDs, or probenecid. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.

Special warnings about Toradol

Remember that Toradol has been known to cause peptic ulcers and bleeding. Contact your doctor immediately if you suspect a problem.

This drug should be used with caution if you have kidney or liver disease. It may cause liver inflammation or kidney problems in some people.

Toradol is not recommended for long-term use, since side effects increase over time. This medication should be taken for no more than 5 days.

If you are an older adult, use Toradol cautiously.

Toradol can increase water retention. If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, use Toradol with care.

This medication can prolong bleeding time. If you are taking blood-thinning medication, take Toradol with caution.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Toradol

If Toradol is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Toradol with the following:

ACE inhibitor drugs such as the blood pressure medications Vasotec and Capoten
Antidepressants such as Prozac
Antiepileptic drugs (Dilantin, Tegretol)
Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Motrin
Blood thinners such as Coumadin
Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)
Major tranquilizers such as Navane
Methotrexate (Rheumatrex)
Probenecid
Tranquilizers such as Xanax
Water pills such as Lasix and Dyazide

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Toradol should not be taken late in pregnancy; during this period, it can harm the developing baby. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Toradol appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. This medication should not be used while you are breastfeeding.

Recommended dosage for Toradol

ADULTS

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

• Symptoms of Toradol overdose may include:
  Drowsiness, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting

In rare cases, the victim may develop stomach bleeding, high blood pressure, kidney failure, impaired breathing, or coma. Severe allergic reactions are also possible.