[Treatment of moderate and severe pain. Ketorolac--a new analgesic]

Overall, the studies available to date show that ketorolac is a powerful analgesic with no action on the central nervous system and a long-lasting effect of rapid onset. The analgesic effectiveness of ketorolac in the treatment of moderate to severe pain, is comparable with that of 10-12 mg of morphine, 100 mg of pethidine, or 30 mg of pentazocine. However, ketorolac, an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis, is not subject to the strict regulations of the narcotic drugs law. On account of its favorable adverse reactions profile, ketorolac is particularly well suited for the treatment of postoperative pain. Further major indications are pain associated with trauma to bones and muscles, as also cancer-related pain, in which area, a "saving effect" on simultaneously employed opiates and opioids can be achieved.