Clinical experience with ketorolac in children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric pharmacology
• Pain management
• Clinical therapeutics

Background:

• Parenteral ketorolac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for pain relief.
• Limited data exists on its use in large pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the dosing patterns, efficacy, and safety of parenteral ketorolac in children.
• To describe the clinical use of ketorolac in a pediatric medical center.

Main Methods:

• Observational, prospective study over four months in a 122-bed children's medical center.
• Included children receiving ketorolac for analgesia or antipyresis.
• Assessed indications, dosing, duration, efficacy, and adverse events.

Main Results:

• 112 children received ketorolac; 110 for analgesia, 2 for fever.
• Common dose was 0.5 mg/kg every 6 hours; average therapy duration was 3.4 days.
• Adverse reactions were rare, with only 2 cases of potential ketorolac-associated bleeding.

Conclusions:

• Parenteral ketorolac is a safe and effective option for pediatric pain management.
• Appropriate dosing and limited duration are key to its safe use in children.
• Further research can explore long-term outcomes and specific indications.