Toradol Dosage: Quick Guide for Safe Pain Relief

Toradol (ketorolac) is a strong painkiller doctors often give after surgery or for severe injuries. Knowing the correct dose helps you get relief without unwanted side effects. Below you’ll find the most common dosing plans, tips for special situations, and red flags to watch out for.

Standard Adult Dosing

For most adults, Toradol comes as a 10 mg or 30 mg injection, or a 10 mg tablet. The usual schedule is 10 mg every 6 hours or 30 mg every 6 hours, but you must never exceed 5 days of treatment. The total daily dose should stay under 120 mg for injections and under 40 mg for oral tablets. If you’re getting the IV form, the first dose is often 30 mg, followed by 15 mg every 6 hours.

Never give yourself more than the prescribed amount, and don’t mix Toradol with other NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen. Doing so raises the risk of stomach bleeding and kidney problems.

Special Situations & Precautions

Older adults (65+) usually need a lower dose because their kidneys work slower. A safe plan for many seniors is 10 mg every 12 hours, still not exceeding 5 days.

Kids get Toradol only in a hospital setting, and the dose is based on weight – roughly 0.5 mg per kilogram every 6 hours, with a strict 5‑day limit. Never give Toradol to anyone with a history of stomach ulcers, bleeding disorders, or severe kidney disease.

If you notice stomach pain, dark stools, vomiting blood, or sudden swelling in your legs, stop the medication and call a doctor right away. These could be signs of serious side effects.

Toradol can interact with blood thinners such as warfarin, increasing bleeding risk. Tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking, including over‑the‑counter supplements.

When you finish a Toradol course, you don’t need a taper‑down period, but you should avoid starting another NSAID right away. Give your stomach a break and drink plenty of water.

Remember, Toradol is meant for short‑term relief, not chronic pain. If you need pain control beyond five days, ask your doctor about alternative treatments that are safer for long‑term use.

Use this guide as a quick reference, but always follow your prescriber's exact instructions. Correct dosing gives you fast relief while keeping your body safe.