Utilization of ketorolac tromethamine for control of severe odontogenic pain

Ketorolac tromethamine (KT) (Toradol, 60 mg to 2 ml), an injectable nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, was compared with a placebo (sodium chloride, 0.9%) for analgesic effects in patients presenting with severe odontogenic pain. Utilizing a double-blind protocol, KT and placebo were administered and evaluated. Forty patients presenting with severe odontogenic pain (75 to 100 mm and above utilizing the visual analog scale of 100 mm) recorded their visual analog scale score once every 10 min for 90 min after injection of either KT or placebo and before initiating traditional incision and drainage, endodontic therapy, and/or extraction. Results indicate that KT patients had significantly less pain from 20 to 90 min postadministration than those receiving placebo. By the 90-min period, KT patients were reporting negligible discomfort. Observed side effects included lightheadedness and injection site pain. It was concluded that KT effectively reduces severe odontogenic pain within 40 min after administration in human subjects, with minimal side effects.