About this Calculator

The Ketorolac Dose Calculator is a clinical support tool designed to help healthcare professionals determine the appropriate parenteral (IV/IM) and oral (PO) dosing of ketorolac tromethamine, a potent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It provides patient-specific recommendations by considering critical factors such as age, body weight, and renal function, aligning with established clinical guidelines to promote safe and effective administration for short-term pain management.

Outputs Explained

Upon entering the patient's data, the calculator provides a clear set of dosing recommendations:

• Recommended Dose: The appropriate single dose (e.g., 15 mg or 30 mg for IV/IM).
• Dosing Interval: The recommended frequency of administration (e.g., every 6 hours).
• Maximum Daily Dose: The total amount of ketorolac that should not be exceeded in a 24-hour period (e.g., 60 mg or 120 mg).
• Dosing Rationale: An explanation of whether a standard or reduced dose was selected based on the patient's age, weight, or renal function status.
• Calculated CrCl: If serum creatinine is provided, the tool displays the calculated creatinine clearance used for dose determination.

How to Use the Tool

To use the calculator effectively, follow these steps:

1. Enter Patient Age: Input the patient's age in years.
2. Enter Patient Weight: Input the patient's body weight and select the appropriate unit (kg or lbs).
3. Select Biological Sex: Choose the patient's sex, which is used to improve the accuracy of the creatinine clearance calculation.
4. Choose Route of Administration: Select the intended route from Intravenous (IV), Intramuscular (IM), or Oral (PO).
5. Provide Renal Function: You can either have the tool calculate creatinine clearance by entering the patient's serum creatinine (SCr) level or directly input a known CrCl value.

Dosing Overview

Ketorolac dosing is stratified to minimize risks, especially in vulnerable populations. The calculator applies the following logic:

• Standard Parenteral Dose (IV/IM): 30 mg every 6 hours, with a maximum daily dose of 120 mg. This is for patients under 65 years of age, weighing at least 50 kg, and with normal renal function (CrCl ≥ 50 mL/min).
• Reduced Parenteral Dose (IV/IM): 15 mg every 6 hours, with a maximum daily dose of 60 mg. This dose is recommended for patients who meet one or more of the following criteria:
  • Age ≥ 65 years
  • Body weight < 50 kg (110 lbs)
  • Moderately impaired renal function (CrCl < 50 mL/min)
• Oral Dose (PO): 10 mg every 4 to 6 hours, with a maximum daily dose of 40 mg. The initial oral dose after switching from parenteral therapy is 20 mg.

Switching Between Formulations

Oral ketorolac is indicated only as continuation therapy following an initial course of IV or IM administration. When switching, ensure the total combined duration of treatment for all formulations does not exceed 5 days. Careful coordination is required to transition from parenteral to oral dosing without exceeding the maximum daily dose limits.

Missed Dose Information

Ketorolac is typically administered on an as-needed (PRN) basis for pain, not on a strict, fixed schedule. The primary focus should be on not exceeding the recommended single dose and the maximum total daily dose. If a patient is on a scheduled regimen and misses a dose, they should take it as soon as they remember, unless it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose. Patients should be instructed never to take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Safety Alerts

Frequently Asked Questions