Efficacy of Ketorolac tromethamine for older adults with kidney function concerns

For older adults, including those with mild to moderate renal issues, continuous intravenous infusion of Ketorolac tromethamine provides effective postoperative pain relief with fewer side effects. 

Finding a safe, efficacious, and non-opioid painkiller for older patients, especially those with mild to moderate renal issues, has been a pressing medical challenge. A recent study tested a new formulation of Ketorolac, aiming to meet this need.  

The study involved 39 participants aged 65 and over, with varying levels of renal function. They were randomized to receive either a 6.25 mg loading dose of Ketorolac tromethamine followed by a continuous intravenous (IV) infusion of 1.75 mg/h for 24 hours, or an IV bolus injection of 15 mg of Ketorolac tromethamine (KETO-BOLUS) every six hours. This crossover study included each participant undergoing four 24-hour treatment periods separated by a minimum of 7 days. Blood samples were analyzed to track drug levels and safety.

The continuous infusion provided more stable and higher plasma concentrations of Ketorolac compared to the bolus injection. During the study, no severe adverse events or deaths were witnessed.

Continuous IV infusion of Ketorolaccame out as a promising option for effective and safe postoperative pain management in older adults, including those with renal impairment. This method was associated with fewer adverse events and offered predictable pharmacologic benefits.