Is Toradol (Ketorolac) a controlled substance?

Toradol is the brand name of a medicine called Ketorolac Tromethamine. It belongs to the medication called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is a painkiller and is used to relieve moderate to severe types of pain. Toradol is not used for more than five days due to its severe side effects.

What Are Controlled Substances?

These are generally medicines or chemicals that have the potential to be misused or can cause physical or mental dependence, or severe addictions.

Their sale is tightly controlled by government regularities and is only available on the prescription of a registered healthcare practitioner. Most of the painkillers have the properties of sedation and euphoria due to this the rate of medical abuel rose a lot and hence they are declared controlled substances.

Here are the classes of controlled medicines

• Opioids (Morphine, codeine, fentanyl, hydrocodone)
• Stimulants (Amphetamine, methamphetamine)
• Depressants (Alprazolam, diazepam)

Toradol – The Myth Of Controlled Substance

Toradol is not a controlled medicine. It is a simple NSAID that does not cause any kind of physical or mental dependence or addiction. Thus Toradol is not a controlled medicine. So is it a narcotic? The answer is No it is also not made up of opioids or narcotics substances; hence Toradol is not a narcotic. Authorities like the DEA and FDA did not declare toradol as a narcotic or controlled substance; there are various layers of identification and process.

Here is a Full List Of Controlled Substances from DEA.

How Does Toradol Work?

The mechanism by which Toradol acts on the body is still unknown. It has been studied that it works on the COX (Cyclooxygenase enzymes) and inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins, ultimately reducing pain and inflammation.

Uses of Toradol

Toradol is used in the following medical conditions

• Pain following surgical procedures, especially in adults.
• Migraines (off-label use)
• Pain in kidneys due to stones.
• Pain management in cancer patients.
• Anal pain due to hemorrhoids.
• Fever

The uses of toradol also do not comply that it can be abused or illegally sold just as a controlled substance.

Risks And Warnings Related To Toradol

Patients suffering from

• Gastrointestinal
• Heart
• Respiratory
• Kidney and Neurological disorders

Above are at greater risk of experiencing the adverse effects of Toradol. It is also not prescribed for heart attacks, stomach ulcers, or asthma patients. It is also avoided during pregnancy due to its risks.

Conclusion

Toradol does not belong to the class of controlled drugs. Instead, it’s a medicine from the class of drugs called NSAIDs. Many research and clinical trials support that it does not cause addiction or dependence. It is not considered safe because of its severe side effects. However, it’s a strong painkiller whose efficacy is similar to that of medicines that belong to controlled drugs.