Current research status, applications and challenges of ketorolac-based sustained-release and controlled-release...

Ketorolac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, exhibits moderate antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as potent analgesic effects. It is widely used in clinical practice for pain relief in cases of mild and severe pain such as postoperative pain, fractures, sprains, toothaches and cancer pain. Due to its relatively short half-life, patients experiencing pain often need frequent injections or oral medications, leading to poor patient compliance. Thus, it is crucial to create long-acting sustained-release formulations of ketorolac. This paper provides an overview of the research, applications, and challenges associated with ketorolac sustained-release formulations over the past decade, based on a comprehensive review of the literature. The aim is to provide fresh insights for the research and development of long-acting, sustained-release, and controlled-release formulations of ketorolac.