Is Toradol Safe in Pregnancy

Reason

Avoid in late pregnancy and around 20 weeks or later unless a prescriber says it is necessary.

Drug Information

Brand Name

Toradol

Generic Name

ketorolac tromethamine

Drug Class

NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) analgesic

FDA Category

N/A (PLLR narrative label)

Rx Status

prescription

Safe Amount

Dosage must be determined by your provider based on individual risk/benefit.

Effects

Pregnancy

FDA advises avoiding NSAIDs at 20 weeks or later unless necessary; use the lowest dose for the shortest time if directed by a prescriber.

Mother

Can raise bleeding risk and may affect kidney function.

Baby

Can cause low amniotic fluid after 20 weeks and may cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus in late pregnancy.

Trimester Notes

1st Trimester

Limited pregnancy data. Use only if a prescriber says benefit outweighs risk.

2nd Trimester

Avoid unless necessary. FDA warns NSAIDs at 20 weeks or later can cause low amniotic fluid and fetal kidney problems.

3rd Trimester

Avoid. NSAIDs can cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus and other fetal problems.

Risk-Benefit Note

Use only if your prescriber decides the benefit is greater than the risk. Do not stop or continue without provider guidance.

Conditions & Warnings

• Consult OB/GYN or prescriber
• Pregnancy at 20 weeks or later
• Third trimester
• Labor or delivery
• Kidney disease
• Bleeding risk

Alternatives

• Acetaminophen if your prescriber says it is appropriate
• Non-medicine measures such as rest, fluids, or ice/heat if recommended by your clinician

References

• FDA Drug Safety Communication: NSAIDs in pregnancy at 20 weeks or later
  https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-recommends-avoiding-use-nsaids-pregnancy-20-weeks-or-later-because-they-can-result-low-amniotic
• FDA Toradol (ketorolac tromethamine) label
  https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/019645s019lbl.pdf