Effects of ketorolac trometamol on renal function

We have compared the renal effects of ketorolac trometamol 10 mg administered 4-hourly by intermittent i.m. injection or by continuous i.m. infusion with placebo in a double-blind study in 67 patients who had undergone upper abdominal surgery. Ketorolac was supplemented during the 48-h postoperative study period with bolus doses of morphine delivered by a patient controlled analgesia system. The only significant effect of ketorolac on renal function compared with patients who received placebo was reduced excretion of potassium. The overall changes caused by surgery alone were of much greater magnitude. Bleeding time was increased with ketorolac, but there were no adverse events related to this.