Toradol vs. Tylenol (Acetaminophen)

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

Toradol (ketorolac tromethamine) and Tylenol (acetaminophen) are used to treat pain.

Toradol is used to treat moderately severe pain and inflammation, usually after surgery.

Tylenol is used for treating mild to moderate pain and is also used to treat fever.

Toradol and Tylenol belong to different drug classes. Toradol is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and Tylenol is an analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reducer).

The brand name Toradol is no longer available in the U.S. Generic versions may be available.

Tylenol 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 Tylenol (Acetaminophen) include:

• nausea,
• stomach pain,
• loss of appetite,
• itching,
• rash,
• headache,
• dark urine,
• clay-colored stools,
• or jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes).

Get medical help right away if you notice symptoms of a rare serious allergic reaction to Tylenol, including:

• rash,
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat),
• severe dizziness,
• or trouble breathing.

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.

Acetaminophen temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to: the common cold, headache, backache, minor pain of arthritis, toothache, premenstrual and menstrual cramps, and temporarily reduces fever.

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.

Tylenol may interact with aspirin or other NSAIDs and blood pressure medications.

Tylenol may also interact with antibiotics, antifungals, sulfa drugs, tuberculosis medicines, birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, cancer medications, cholesterol-lowering medications, gout or arthritis medications (including gold injections), HIV/AIDS medications, medicines to treat psychiatric disorders, or seizure medications.

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.

Do not take more than directed.

Liver warning: This product contains acetaminophen. Severe liver damage may occur if:

• adult takes more than 12 caplets in 24 hours, which is the maximum daily amount
• child takes more than 5 doses in 24 hours, which is the maximum daily amount
• taken with other drugs containing acetaminophen
• adult has 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product.

Do not use

• with any other drug containing acetaminophen (prescription or nonprescription). If you are not sure whether a drug contains acetaminophen, ask a doctor or pharmacist.
• if you are allergic to acetaminophen or any of the inactive ingredients in this product

Stop use and ask a doctor if

• pain gets worse or lasts more than 10 days in adults
• pain gets worse or lasts more than 5 days in children under 12 years
• fever gets worse or lasts more than 3 days
• new symptoms occur
• redness or swelling is present

These could be signs of a serious condition.

If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.

Keep out of reach of children.

Ask a doctor before use if the user has liver disease

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if the user is taking blood thinning drug warfarin.