Toradol vs. Motrin (ibuprofen)

• Are Motrin (ibuprofen) and Toradol the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Toradol?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Motrin (ibuprofen)?
• What Is Toradol?
• What Is Motrin (ibuprofen)?
• What Drugs Interact with Toradol?
• What Drugs Interact with Motrin (ibuprofen)?
• How Should Toradol Be Taken?
• How Should Motrin (ibuprofen) Be Taken?

Toradol (ketorolac tromethamine) and Motrin (ibuprofen) are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to treat pain. Toradol is generally used to treat moderately severe pain and inflammation, usually after surgery. Motrin is used for to relieve mild to moderate pain, to relieve the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, and to treat primary dysmenorrhea.

The brand name Toradol is no longer available in the U.S. Generic versions may be available with a prescription. Motrin is available over-the-counter (OTC).

Common side effects of Toradol include:

• headache,
• heartburn,
• upset stomach,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• diarrhea,
• stomach pain,
• bloating,
• gas,
• constipation,
• dizziness,
• drowsiness,
• sweating,
• and ringing in the ears.

Common side effects of Motrin (ibuprofen) include:

• stomach pain,
• constipation,
• diarrhea,
• bloating,
• gas,
• heartburn,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• dizziness,
• headache,
• nervousness,
• skin itching or rash,
• blurred vision, or
• ringing in the ears.

Other side effects of Motrin may occur. Consult your physician if you experience any possible side effects of Motrin.

Toradol (ketorolac tromethamine) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to treat moderately severe pain and inflammation, usually after surgery. Toradol works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, compounds that cause pain, fever, and inflammation. The brand name Toradol is no longer available in the U.S. Generic versions may be available.

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) indicated for relief of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, for relief of mild to moderate pain, and for treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. A generic formulation is available.

Drug interactions may occur with lithium, ACE inhibitors, warfarin, and medications used to treat high uric acid levels. Warnings may apply to individuals who have ulcers, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and bleeding disorders. People who are taking aspirin or NSAIDs should not take Toradol because of the cumulative risk of inducing serious NSAID-related side effects.

Ibuprofen may interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

Toradol is available as a 10 mg tablet and a solution (30 mg per ml) for intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) administration. Toradol solution is administered as a single 15- to 60-mg dose once every 6 hours not to exceed 60 or 120 mg a day. The recommended oral dose is one to two Toradol tablets initially followed by one tablet every 4-6 hours, not to exceed 40 mg daily. Toradol should not be used for more than 5 days.

The recommended dose of Motrin (ibuprofen) should be adjusted to suit individual patients needs but should not exceed 3200 mg in the total daily dose. Use of alcohol and smoking could increase side effects. Safe use of Motrin for use by children has not been established. It is not known whether ibuprofen is harmful to an unborn baby.