Toradol vs. Tramadol

• Are Tramadol and Toradol the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Toradol?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Tramadol?
• What is Toradol?
• What is Tramadol?
• What Drugs Interact with Toradol?
• What Drugs Interact with Tramadol?
• How Should Toradol Be Taken?
• How Should Tramadol Be Taken?

Toradol (ketorolac tromethamine) and tramadol are used to treat moderately severe pain.

Toradol is also used to treat inflammation, and is often used after surgery.

Toradol and tramadol belong to different drug classes. Toradol is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and tramadol is a narcotic pain reliever.

Brand names of tramadol include Tramadol, Tramadol ER, ConZip, Rybix ODT, Ryzolt, and Ultram.

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 Tramadol include:

• agitation,
• nervousness,
• anxiety,
• seizures (convulsions),
• skin rash,
• dizziness,
• spinning sensation,
• hallucinations,
• fever,
• fast heart rate,
• overactive reflexes,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• upset stomach,
• diarrhea,
• constipation,
• loss of coordination,
• headache,
• drowsiness, and
• fainting.

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.

Tramadol is a pain reliever (analgesic) used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain in adults.

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.

Tramadol may interact with alcohol, other narcotic pain medications, sedatives, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, other medicines that can make you sleepy or slow your breathing, antidepressants, and MAO inhibitors.

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.

Good pain management practice dictates that the dose of Tramadol be individualized according to patient need using the lowest beneficial dose. Tramadol may interact with other drugs including monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and other antidepressant medications. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of Tramadol in pregnant women. Tramadol should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Tramadol passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Breastfeeding while taking Tramadol is not recommended.