Intravenous Ketorolac: Are Lower Doses Just as Effective?

To determine the optimal dose of ketorolac, investigators at a single U.S. emergency department conducted a randomized double-blind trial in 240 patients with moderate-to-severe pain at various body sites. Patients received 10, 15, or 30 mg intravenous ketorolac. The primary outcome was pain reduction at 30 minutes, and outcomes were assessed for up to 120 minutes.

Baseline pain scores on a 10-point numeric rating scale were similar among the three groups. The mean improvements in pain ratings at 30 minutes were 2.5, 2.4, and 3.0 in the 10-, 15-, and 30-mg groups, respectively, but the between-group differences were not statistically significant, implying equivalence of the three doses. Differences in pain ratings remained similar at all tim…