About Toradol
Toradol is a powerful non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) usually
prescribed after surgical procedures. This prescription drug poses
a risk of severe side effects, which increases with the duration
of use. Toradol is generally prescribed for no more than 5 days
at any one time. Individuals taking it are advised to be aware of
the severity of possible side effects, and closely follow the recommended
directions for use.
Ongoing use for chronic problems is potentially very dangerous,
possibly life threatening.
This treatment is non-narcotic, and it has not been found to be
either physically or mentally addictive in patients. It may, however,
occasionally be mixed with a narcotic analgesic for greater efficacy.
This medication should not be mixed with any over the counter pain
medication, or any treatment not approved as safe by your doctor.
Toradol is only available by prescription, use as directed.
Toradol Side Effects
Common Side Effects: Diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, fluid
retention, headache, nausea, ringing in ears, stomach pain.
Less Common Side Effects: Bloating, feeling of fullness
(stomach), constipation, gas, sweating, vomiting.
Adverse Side Effects: The following side effects are serious,
and should be reported to your doctor. If they do not subside or
if they worsen, seek medical attention immediately. Most of these
side effects are rare.
Mild: Allergy (hives, itching, skin rash, swelling), feelings
of detachment, mouth sores.
Serious: Allergy (difficulty breathing, increased asthma
reactions in asthmatics, mouth irritation, severe skin rash), black
or bloody stools, blurred vision, bone marrow depression (bleeding,
bruising, fatigue, fever, sore throat), confusion, depression, edema,
kidney damage (bloody urine, painful urination, reduced urine volume),
liver damage (whole body feeling of illness, yellow skin or eyes),
neuritis (numbness, pain, or tingling in extremities), peptic ulcer
(with or without bleeding), worsening of congestive heart failure.
Cautions: This medication may not be suitable for all individuals.
Speak to your doctor about any of the following conditions, any
history of them, or any reason why you might be at risk for developing
any of them.
- Alcohol or Drug Abuse: You may be at an increased risk
of serious side effects if you addiction has not been controlled
through treatment. Serious liver damage or severe GI bleeding
may be more likely to occur, you may want to consider another
treatment, or seek help with your condition.
- Allergy: Inform your doctor of any previous allergy to
other NSAIDs, or any other pain medications, you may be at a greater
risk for side effects. Aspirin allergic individuals should be
especially cautious when using any NSAID.
- Asthma: Toradol may worsen this condition. If you have
aspirin sensitive asthma, you may be especially at risk.
- Bleeding Problems: Individuals with hemophilia or bleeding
on the brain are at greater risk for internal bleeding with the
use of NSAIDs.
- Colitis: Increased risk of bleeding, this problem may
be worsened.
- Diabetes: Increased risk of serious side effects.
- Edema: Swelling of the face or extremities may worsen,
and the risk of serious side effects is increased.
- Epilepsy: Consult with your doctor, and discuss possible
interactions with present treatments. A related medication has
been known to cause seizure in rare cases.
- Heart Disease: NSAIDs may worsen this condition, or unmask
symptoms earlier than they would otherwise have appeared. If you
are in an at risk group, have your doctor verify your cardiovascular
health and monitor your treatment.
- High Blood Pressure: This conditon may be worsened. Consult
with your doctor regarding possible interactions with any treatments
you may currently use.
- Infection: Anti-inflammatories may mask signs of infection,
inform your doctor if you think you may be developing any infection.
- Kidney or Liver Disease: Increased risk of serious side
effects, including organ damage. Avoid alcohol, and increase water
intake if your doctor prescribes this treatment.
- Lupus: Increased risk of serious side effects.
- Ulcer: Increased risk of bleeding, this problem may be
worsened.
Toradol Interactions
Prescription NSAIDs like Toradol may have serious side effects,
and should be used with utmost caution in combination with other
treatments. Never mix prescription pain medication with over
the counter pain medication, or any other preparation which
hasn't been specifically been approved by your doctor. Be aware
that certain cold and flu treatments may contain painkillers that
shouldn't be mixed with Toradol.
Avoid combining this treatment with any medication whose label
says "MAY CAUSE STOMACH BLEEDING."
- ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) Inhibitors - Medications
like Accupril (quinapril), Aceon (perindopril), Altace
(ramipril), Capoten
(captopril), Lotensin (benazepril), Mavik (trandolapril),
Monopril (fosinopril),
Prinivil or Zestril (lisinopril),
Univasc (moexipril), and Vasotec (enalapril) may be less
effective when combined with NSAIDs.
- Alcohol - Never combine even small amounts of alcohol with NSAIDs.
The combination is extremely toxic to the liver, and in rare cases,
may cause liver failure. Also, the increased irritation of the
stomach lining increases the risk of ulcer or gastrointestinal
bleeding. Avoid using alcohol within a day of taking any NSAID,
particularly the more powerful prescription strength varieties.
- Aminoglycoside antibiotics such as amikacin may build up in
the body.
- Anticoagulant medication like Coumadin
(warfarin) may increase the risk of internal bleeding, the
dosage may need to be adjusted.
- Anturane (sulfinpyrazone) - Increased risk of side effects.
- Aspirin (salicylic acid) - Never mix aspirin with NSAIDs.
There is a severe risk of internal bleeding involved.
- AZT (zidovudine) - This combination may lead to toxicity from
either medication.
- Beta Blockers - Drugs like Blocadren (timolol), Cartrol (carteolol),
Corgard (nadolol), Inderal
(propranolol), Kerlone (betaxolol), Levatol (penbutolol),
Lopressor (metoprolol),
Normodyne (labetalol), Sectral (acebutolol), Sotacor (sotalol),
Tenormin (atenolol), Trasicor (oxprenolol ), or Visken (pindolol)
may be less effective when combined with NSAIDs.
- Bumex (bumetanide) - This medication may be less effective when
combined with NSAIDs.
- Depakene (valproic acid) - Increased risk of side effects.
- Dicumarol - Increased risk of serious side effects.
- Dilantin (phenytoin) -
Dosage may need to be adjusted, this medication may build up in
the body.
- Dolobid (diflunisal) - Increased risk of serious side effects.
- Edecrin (ethacrynic acid) - The effects of this medication may
be decreased.
- Floxin (ofloxacin) - Increased risk of seizures.
- Fosamax (alendronate) - Increased risk of GI tract irritation.
- Heparins like Lovenox may increase the risk of side effects.
- Lasix (furosemide) - Effects may be decreased, your doctor may
suggest a dosage adjustment.
- Lithium - Dosage adjustments of one
of the medications may be necessary.
- Methotrexate - May build up to toxic levels.
- Narcotic pain medications like Codeine, Demerol
(meperidine), Buprenex (buprenorphine), Darvon (propoxyphene),
Dilaudid (hydromorphone), MS Contin or Kadian (morphine), nalbuphine,
OxyContin (oxycodone),
Stadol (butorphanol), Talwin compound (pentazocine), are safe
to mix with prescription NSAIDs. The mixed varieties that
are compounded with other types of analgesics like Percocet
(oxycodone and acetaminophen), Vicodin
(hydrocodone and acetaminophen), or
Vicoprofen (hydrocodone and ibuprofen) should not be
used with prescription NSAIDs, or even with over the counter NSAIDs.
- Pain Medication - Any other type of pain medication, except
for unmixed narcotics, whether prescription or over the counter
should not be mixed with prescription NSAIDs. NSAIDs should never
be mixed with each other, as the risk of internal bleeding is
greatly increased.
- Persantine (dipyridamole) - Increased risk of side effects.
- Plavix (clopidogrel) - Increased risk of bleeding.
- Probenecid - Increased risk of side effects.
- Prograf (tacrolimus) - Effects may be increased, raises the
risk of kidney damage.
- Protease inhibitors such as Agenerase (amprenavir), Norvir (ritonavir),
and perhaps others, may require dosage adjustments when used with
prescription NSAIDs.
- Sandimmune (cyclosporine) - Toxicity may occur.
- Thiazide Diuretics - May be less effective when taken with NSAIDs.
- Thrombolytics like streptokinase or TPA may build up in the
body, dosage adjustments may be necessary.
Toradol Directions
Toradol comes in 10 mg, white tablets, with a red Toradol logo
imprint on one side.
The typical dose for an individual 16 years or older is one tablet
every 4-6 hours, up to 4 times daily. If your doctor should
give you differing instructions, follow them exactly.
Do not increase your dose of Toradol without instructions from
your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember,
unless it is almost time for your next dose. Skip the missed dose
of Toradol and resume your regular schedule. Do not take double
doses of this medication.
This medication should always be taken with food or a snack,
and a full glass of water, to reduce stomach irritation. An
antacid may be taken to further soothe the stomach. Avoid laying
down for at least 30 minutes after taking, otherwise you may experience
unnecessary stomach upset.
Inform your doctor, dentist, or anesthesiologist that you are taking
Toradol before any kind of surgery or medical test. Toradol may
alter your risk of bleeding during or after surgery.
Store Toradol away from direct light and heat. Store in a dry location;
avoid storing it in the bathroom, near sinks, or other areas where
it may become damp. Do not use after the expiration date.
Keep Toradol away from children; both when storing it, and when
discarding any unused medication.
Toradol may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or disorientation. Be
cautious if you plan to drive or operate heavy machinery,
avoid these activities if you find yourself feeling tired
or experience slowed reactions.
Pregnant or nursing women, and individuals under the age
of 16 should avoid this drug. Seniors may be more susceptible
to serious side effects possible with Toradol use.
Toradol is a trademark of Roche
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This document is provided for information only. It is not a substitute
for consultation with a physician, either to diagnose symptoms
or prescribe treatment. Any dosages mentioned are general
guidelines only, please follow the directions of your doctor
or pharmacist exactly when taking medication. We have made
every effort to ensure that this information is accurate,
but only your doctor can say if a medication, or drug combination,
is safe for you. Information intended for US residents only.
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