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Updated: May 19, 2026

An Experimental Paradigm for the Prediction of Post-Operative Pain (PPOP)
Published on: January 27, 2010
Pharmacokinetics of intravenous ketorolac following caesarean delivery
A Kulo1, M van de Velde, K van Calsteren
1Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital, Herestraat, Leuven, Belgium.
Background:
Drug disposition is altered by pregnancy and the peripartum period but data on intravenous ketorolac pharmacokinetics following caesarean delivery have not been previously reported.
Methods:
At the end of caesarean delivery, women received an intravenous bolus of ketorolac tromethamine 30 mg (immediate postpartum, Group IP). Plasma samples were collected at 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8h. A similar pharmacokinetic study was repeated in a subgroup of these women 4-5 months after delivery (late postpartum, Group LP) and in a group of unrelated, healthy non-pregnant female volunteers (controls, Group C). A non-compartmental linear disposition model was applied to analyse individual ketorolac time-concentration profiles. Results at delivery were compared with controls using unpaired or paired statistics as appropriate. Covariates of pharmacokinetic estimates at delivery were examined.
Results:
Thirty-nine women were studied at caesarean delivery, of whom eight were re-evaluated 4-5 months later. In addition, eight volunteers were studied. Clearance in Group IP was higher compared to Groups LP and C (2.11 vs. 1.43 and 1.07 L/h·m(2) respectively, P<0.05). Volume of distribution was also increased in Group IP compared to Groups LP and C (0.24 vs. 0.16 and 0.17 L/kg respectively, P<0.05). No significant covariates of pharmacokinetic estimates, including gestational age, preterm vs. term, twin vs. singleton and maternal co-morbidity, were seen in Group IP.
Conclusions:
Ketorolac clearance and distribution volume are significantly increased following caesarean delivery. These data provide pharmacokinetic estimates on which to base studies on post caesarean analgesia.
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