How Long Will a Toradol Shot Last?

If you’re dealing with a headache, muscle aches, back pain, or another painful condition, you may have heard of a Toradol shot as an option for short-term pain relief. Toradol is the brand name historically used for ketorolac, a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Unlike opioid pain medications, ketorolac is not intended to produce sedation or euphoria. Instead, it works by reducing substances in the body that contribute to pain and inflammation.

So, how long does a Toradol shot last?

For many people, an intramuscular Toradol injection can provide pain relief for several hours. When repeat dosing is medically appropriate, ketorolac injections are commonly administered at intervals of approximately 6 hours. Individual response varies based on the dose, the type and severity of pain, and the person’s overall health.

At IVme Wellness in Athens, GA, Toradol injections are available for appropriately screened patients following an evaluation by our nurse practitioner.

How Long Does a Toradol Shot Take to Work?

A Toradol shot is administered into a muscle (intramuscular injection). Ketorolac can begin providing pain relief relatively quickly after an injection, although the exact timing varies from person to person.

Because ketorolac is an NSAID, it can be particularly useful when inflammation is contributing to someone’s pain.

How Long Does a Toradol Shot Last?

A single ketorolac injection generally provides short-term pain relief lasting several hours. When additional doses are medically appropriate, injectable ketorolac is commonly administered about every 6 hours.

However, how long you personally experience relief can vary. Some people may experience relief for several hours, while others may have a shorter or longer response.

It is also important to understand that a Toradol shot treats pain and inflammation, not necessarily the underlying cause of the pain. If pain continues, becomes severe, or repeatedly returns, additional evaluation may be necessary.

What Is a Toradol Shot Used For?

Ketorolac is FDA-approved for the short-term treatment of moderately severe acute pain. It is intended for short-term use rather than long-term management of chronic pain.

Depending on a healthcare provider’s evaluation, ketorolac may be considered for certain types of acute pain, including:

• Acute muscle aches
• Certain types of back pain
• Musculoskeletal pain
• Inflammation-related pain
• Certain acute headaches
• Dental pain
• Pain associated with minor injuries
• Other short-term moderate to moderately severe pain

Whether a Toradol shot is appropriate depends on the cause of your symptoms and your individual health history.

Toradol for Headaches

Ketorolac is sometimes used by healthcare professionals for certain acute headaches and migraine-type headaches.

However, not every headache should be treated with a Toradol injection. A sudden, severe, or unusual headache may require urgent medical evaluation, particularly if it is accompanied by neurological symptoms, fever, neck stiffness, confusion, fainting, vision changes, or other concerning symptoms.

Toradol for Muscle and Body Aches

Toradol may be considered for certain acute muscle and body aches, particularly when inflammation is contributing to the discomfort.

It is not intended to be a routine treatment for chronic pain.

Getting a Toradol Shot at IVme Wellness in Athens, GA

At IVme Wellness in Athens, Georgia, we take a medical approach to Toradol injections rather than treating the medication as a one-size-fits-all pain-relief shot.

A nurse practitioner performs a quick Good Faith Exam before a Toradol injection is administered.

This evaluation allows our provider to review your symptoms, medical history, medications, allergies, and relevant risk factors to determine whether ketorolac is appropriate for you.

Telehealth Evaluation Available

For added convenience, your Good Faith Exam may be completed remotely through telehealth when appropriate.

This means patients can potentially complete their evaluation:

• At the IVme Wellness clinic in Athens
• During a mobile IVme Wellness visit
• Remotely through telehealth, when clinically appropriate

After the evaluation, the nurse practitioner determines whether a Toradol injection is medically appropriate based on the information available.

This process helps ensure that patients are evaluated by a qualified medical professional before receiving prescription medication.

Who May Be a Good Candidate for a Toradol Shot?

A healthcare provider may consider ketorolac for an adult experiencing moderate to moderately severe acute pain when:

• The pain is appropriate for treatment with an NSAID.
• There is no major contraindication to ketorolac.
• The patient does not have a significant history of NSAID-related complications.
• Kidney function and hydration status are appropriate.
• The patient is not taking medications that create an unsafe interaction.
• The potential benefits outweigh the risks.

Because everyone’s medical history is different, a Toradol injection should not be considered appropriate simply because someone is experiencing pain.

Who Should Not Receive a Toradol Shot?

Toradol is not appropriate for everyone. Ketorolac carries important warnings and contraindications involving the gastrointestinal system, kidneys, bleeding, cardiovascular system, and allergic reactions.

A person may not be a good candidate for ketorolac if they have certain conditions, including:

History of Stomach Ulcers or Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Ketorolac can cause serious gastrointestinal complications, including ulcers, bleeding, and perforation.

People with active peptic ulcer disease or a history of significant gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcer disease generally should not receive ketorolac.

Kidney Disease or Significant Dehydration

NSAIDs can affect kidney function. This can be particularly concerning for people who already have kidney disease or are significantly dehydrated.

If you have been experiencing substantial vomiting or diarrhea or have been unable to maintain adequate fluid intake, tell your healthcare provider before receiving ketorolac.

Allergy to Aspirin or Other NSAIDs

People who have experienced allergic reactions, asthma, hives, or other significant reactions to aspirin or other NSAIDs may be at increased risk of a reaction to ketorolac.

Tell your provider about any previous reaction to medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, or ketorolac.

Bleeding Disorders or Blood Thinners

Ketorolac can increase the risk of bleeding. Patients taking anticoagulants or certain other medications that affect blood clotting require careful evaluation before receiving ketorolac.

Certain Cardiovascular Conditions

NSAIDs can increase the risk of serious cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke. Patients with cardiovascular disease or certain cardiovascular risk factors may require additional evaluation or an alternative treatment.

Pregnancy

Ketorolac may pose risks during pregnancy, particularly later in pregnancy. Anyone who is pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should discuss ketorolac with a healthcare professional before receiving it.

Certain Medications

Ketorolac can interact with other medications. Make sure your provider knows about all prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you take.

Of particular importance are:

• Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs
• Naproxen
• Aspirin
• Blood thinners
• Certain steroids
• Certain blood-pressure medications
• Diuretics
• Probenecid
• Pentoxifylline

Do not combine Toradol with other NSAIDs unless specifically instructed by a healthcare professional.

Can You Get Toradol Every Day?

Toradol is not intended to be a long-term pain medication.

Total treatment with ketorolac, including injectable and oral forms, should not exceed 5 days in adults. It is not intended for mild pain or chronic pain conditions.

Using ketorolac more frequently or for longer than recommended can increase the risk of serious complications.

Does a Toradol Shot Treat the Cause of Pain?

Not necessarily.

Ketorolac can reduce pain and inflammation, but it does not necessarily treat the condition that caused the pain.

For example, someone with a minor muscle strain may benefit from temporary pain relief while the injury heals. However, severe abdominal pain, chest pain, neurological symptoms, a significant injury, or unexplained persistent pain may require diagnostic testing and treatment rather than simply treating the pain.

What Should You Expect After a Toradol Shot?

After receiving ketorolac, some people experience a noticeable reduction in pain over the following several hours.

Others may experience less relief depending on the cause and severity of their pain.

Possible side effects include:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Sweating
• Injection-site discomfort

More serious complications can occur, including gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney problems, serious allergic reactions, and cardiovascular events.

Seek immediate medical attention for symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, facial or throat swelling, vomiting blood, black or tarry stools, severe weakness, or other signs of a serious reaction.

Toradol Shots at IVme Wellness

If you’re searching for a Toradol shot in Athens, GA, IVme Wellness provides medically supervised injection services for appropriately screened patients.

Before your injection, our nurse practitioner performs a Good Faith Exam to review your symptoms and medical history and determine whether Toradol is an appropriate option.

For convenience, your evaluation may be completed in person at our Athens clinic or remotely through telehealth, including for eligible patients receiving mobile IVme Wellness services.

Our goal is not simply to provide an injection. We want to make sure the medication is appropriate for your individual situation.

How Long Will a Toradol Shot Last? The Bottom Line

How long does a Toradol shot last? For many patients, ketorolac provides several hours of short-term pain relief. The duration can vary depending on the individual and the type and severity of pain.

Toradol may be an option for certain types of moderate to moderately severe acute pain, but it is a prescription NSAID with important safety considerations.

If you’re considering a Toradol shot in Athens, GA, IVme Wellness can evaluate whether this treatment is appropriate for you. A nurse practitioner performs a Good Faith Exam before treatment, with the option for an in-person or telehealth evaluation when appropriate.

IVme Wellness | Athens, Georgia

Pain relief should start with an appropriate medical evaluation. If you’re unsure whether a Toradol injection is right for you, contact IVme Wellness to learn more about your options.