Ketorolac is an NSAID used for short-term pain relief. What is the maximum recommended duration of use?

Ketorolac is an NSAID used for short-term pain relief. What is the maximum recommended duration of use?

• A. Use for up to 3 days
• B. Not to exceed 5 days due to risks of kidney injury, GI ulcers, and bleeding
• C. Use for 14 days
• D. There is no time limit

Answer: (B)

Short-term safety is the main idea here. Ketorolac is a potent NSAID used for acute, short-term pain, but its risks—especially kidney injury, GI ulcers, and bleeding—rise with longer exposure. Because of this, the recommended maximum duration is five days overall. Limiting treatment to five days helps achieve pain relief while minimizing serious adverse effects. Using it for longer, such as a full two weeks, would significantly increase those risks, and there is indeed a time limit rather than no limit. When assessing its use, consider factors that heighten risk—age, dehydration, existing kidney disease, and concurrent nephrotoxic drugs or anticoagulants—and monitor hydration and kidney function.

Short-term safety is the main idea here. Ketorolac is a potent NSAID used for acute, short-term pain, but its risks—especially kidney injury, GI ulcers, and bleeding—rise with longer exposure. Because of this, the recommended maximum duration is five days overall. Limiting treatment to five days helps achieve pain relief while minimizing serious adverse effects. Using it for longer, such as a full two weeks, would significantly increase those risks, and there is indeed a time limit rather than no limit. When assessing its use, consider factors that heighten risk—age, dehydration, existing kidney disease, and concurrent nephrotoxic drugs or anticoagulants—and monitor hydration and kidney function.