The Basics
What is Ketorolac?
Used to relieve moderately severe pain, usually after surgery.
Brand names for Ketorolac
Toradol
How Ketorolac is classified
Analgesic Agents, Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Agents
Ketorolac During Pregnancy
Ketorolac pregnancy category
Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Ketorolac while pregnant
N/A
Taking Ketorolac While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Ketorolac?
Milk levels of ketorolac are low with the usual oral dosage, but milk levels have not been measured after higher injectable dosages or with the nasal spray. Use caution when using systemic ketorolac in nursing mothers. An alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. Maternal use of ketorolac eye drops would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. To substantially diminish the amount of drug that reaches the breastmilk after using eye drops, place pressure over the tear duct by the corner of the eye for 1 minute or more, then remove the excess solution with an absorbent tissue.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Milk levels of ketorolac are low with the usual oral dosage, but milk levels have not been measured after higher injectable dosages or with the nasal spray. Use caution when using systemic ketorolac in nursing mothers. An alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. Maternal use of ketorolac eye drops would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. To substantially diminish the amount of drug that reaches the breastmilk after using eye drops, place pressure over the tear duct by the corner of the eye for 1 minute or more, then remove the excess solution with an absorbent tissue.
Possible effects of Ketorolac on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Ketorolac
(Systemic) Acetaminophen, Flurbiprofen, Ibuprofen, Indomethacin, Naproxen, Piroxicam.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Wischnik A, Manth SM, Lloyd J et al. The excretion of ketorolac tromethamine into breast milk after multiple oral dosing. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 1989;36:521-4. PMID: 2787750
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
