Which statement about ketorolac is correct?
- A It is the NSAID of choice for long-term rheumatoid arthritis therapy because of its long half-life
- B It has analgesic potency comparable to moderate doses of opioids but lacks sedative and respiratory depressant effects, and use should be limited to short courses because of gastrointestinal and bleeding risks ✓
- C It produces analgesia primarily through central COX-3 inhibition like paracetamol
- D It is safe immediately after coronary artery bypass graft surgery because it does not affect platelets
Correct answer: B. It has analgesic potency comparable to moderate doses of opioids but lacks sedative and respiratory depressant effects, and use should be limited to short courses because of gastrointestinal and bleeding risks
Explanation
Ketorolac is one of the most potent NSAID analgesics, with efficacy comparable to opioids for moderate to severe postoperative pain, but without sedation or respiratory depression. Its high rate of gastrointestinal bleeding and platelet inhibition restricts use to short courses, typically up to five days. It irreversibly affects platelet function and is explicitly contraindicated perioperatively in CABG surgery, which eliminates option D, and it is not suitable for chronic arthritis therapy.
Reference: Katzung Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 15th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.