Ketorolac is prescribed for postoperative pain. Which statement best characterises its clinical use?

• A It may be continued safely for up to three months after major surgery
• B It is limited to short-term use of up to five days because of gastrointestinal and renal toxicity ✓
• C It has significant opioid-like central analgesic activity without dependence liability
• D It is the preferred analgesic in patients with peptic ulcer disease

Explanation

Ketorolac is the most potent analgesic among NSAIDs and rivals opioids for moderate to severe pain, but its high incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding and renal toxicity restricts use to five days or less, and it is not recommended for routine minor analgesia. It has purely peripheral anti-inflammatory analgesic action with no opioid receptor activity. It is contraindicated rather than preferred in active peptic ulcer disease and perioperative bleeding risk settings.

Reference: Katzung Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 15th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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