Common Pain Killer Injection: What Is the Name of the Common Pain Killer Injection?

October 12, 2025 •

3 min read

While there isn't a single universal name, one of the most common and potent pain killer injections used for moderate to severe acute pain is ketorolac, often known by its former brand name, Toradol. Its effectiveness is often compared to that of morphine, but without the dependency risks associated with opioids. This nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) offers rapid and powerful relief, especially for postoperative or injury-related pain.

Quick Summary

Ketorolac, commonly known as Toradol, is a powerful non-opioid pain killer injection used for short-term relief of moderate to severe acute pain, such as post-surgical pain or severe injury. It works by reducing inflammation and blocking pain signals, offering a potent alternative to opioids.

Key Points

Common Name: A common non-opioid pain killer injection is ketorolac, historically known by the brand name Toradol.
NSAID Class: Ketorolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces inflammation and blocks pain signals.
Fast-Acting Relief: Administered via intramuscular (IM) or intravenous (IV) injection, ketorolac typically provides pain relief within 30 minutes to an hour.
Short-Term Use: Due to potential side effects, ketorolac is only approved for short-term use, typically for a maximum of five days.
Alternative to Opioids: Ketorolac offers potent pain relief comparable to some opioids but without the risk of dependency or sedation.
Professional Administration: Pain killer injections, including ketorolac, should only be administered by trained healthcare professionals.
Versatile Use: In addition to post-surgical pain, ketorolac can be used for acute injuries, severe headaches, and other types of severe short-term pain.

Understanding the Common Pain Killer Injection: Ketorolac

When acute, moderate-to-severe pain requires immediate relief, healthcare providers frequently use injectable medications. One of the most common and effective non-opioid options is ketorolac tromethamine. Although the brand name Toradol is no longer marketed in the U.S., generic ketorolac is widely available and still often referred to as Toradol. As a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), it reduces pain and inflammation by blocking the production of prostaglandins.

How Does Ketorolac Work?

Ketorolac provides pain relief by targeting the inflammatory response at the site of injury, unlike opioids that affect brain receptors. This mechanism allows for significant pain relief without the common opioid side effects like sedation, dependency, or respiratory depression, making it a valuable option or a way to reduce opioid dosage.

When Is Ketorolac Used?

Ketorolac injections are typically used for short periods to manage specific moderate to severe pain types due to potential side effects with long-term use. Key applications include:

Postoperative Pain: Managing moderate to severe pain after various surgeries.
Emergency Situations: Providing quick relief in emergency rooms for injuries, severe headaches (including migraines), and conditions like kidney stone pain.
Musculoskeletal Injuries: Treating acute pain from fractures, sprains, or strains.

Ketorolac can be given intravenously (IV) or intramuscularly (IM) and often provides relief within 30 minutes.

Comparison of Pain Killer Injections

Selecting the right injectable pain killer depends on the pain type and severity. Here is a comparison of ketorolac with other common injectable pain relief options:


Feature	Ketorolac (NSAID)	Morphine (Opioid)	Corticosteroids (Steroid)	Lidocaine (Local Anesthetic)
Mechanism	Inhibits prostaglandins to reduce inflammation and pain.	Binds to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord to block pain signals.	Reduces inflammation by suppressing immune responses.	Blocks nerve signals directly at the injection site.
Best Used For	Moderate-to-severe acute pain, especially post-surgery or from injuries.	Severe acute and chronic pain.	Chronic joint pain, arthritis, and localized inflammation.	Targeted pain relief for specific nerves or injection sites.
Onset of Action	Rapid, within 30 minutes to an hour.	Varies, but often provides quick relief.	Delayed, typically 24–72 hours for full effect.	Immediate, provides near-complete numbness.
Duration	Short-term use only (max 5 days).	Dependent on formulation (short-acting vs. long-acting).	Variable, from several weeks to months.	Short-term, lasting a few hours.
Dependence Risk	No risk of dependency.	High risk of dependency with prolonged use.	No risk of dependency.	No risk of dependency.
Key Side Effects	GI bleeding, kidney damage (short-term use limits risk).	Nausea, drowsiness, constipation, respiratory depression.	Temporary increase in blood sugar, potential cartilage damage with repeated use.	Numbness, dizziness, nausea.

Administration and Safety Considerations

Injectable pain medications require administration by a qualified healthcare professional. Careful monitoring is necessary due to potential side effects. For example, ketorolac should not be used in patients with kidney problems, active bleeding, or certain gastrointestinal issues. Limiting its use to five days helps minimize risks. Repeated corticosteroid injections in joints can damage cartilage. Opioid injections require strict management to avoid addiction. The best injection is chosen after assessing the patient's pain, medical history, and health.

Types of Pain Management Injections

Other injection therapies for specific pain types include:

Epidural Steroid Injections: Reduce inflammation around spinal nerves, used for conditions like sciatica.
Joint Injections: Relieve pain and inflammation in joints affected by arthritis.
Nerve Blocks: Block pain signals by injecting medication near a nerve or nerve group.
Trigger Point Injections: Administer medication into painful muscle knots.

Conclusion

Among the various pain killer injections available, ketorolac, commonly known by its former brand name Toradol, is a frequently used and effective non-opioid option for quick relief of moderate-to-severe acute pain. Its anti-inflammatory properties and low risk of addiction make it valuable, particularly after surgery and in emergency settings. The appropriate painkiller injection is determined by a healthcare professional based on the individual's specific pain and health. Ketorolac provides a significant non-opioid option for fast-acting pain relief.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ketorolac is used for the short-term management (typically five days or less) of moderate to severe acute pain, such as pain following surgery or from injuries.

While the brand name Toradol is no longer commercially available in the U.S., generic ketorolac is still widely used and provides the same pain relief.

The effects of a ketorolac injection can last for up to six hours, with maximum pain relief typically experienced within one to two hours after administration.

Pain killer injections are generally safe when administered correctly by a healthcare professional for the appropriate condition. However, all injections carry some risk of side effects, which vary depending on the specific medication.

Common side effects of ketorolac can include stomach pain, nausea, headache, and indigestion. More serious, but less common, risks include gastrointestinal bleeding, heart attack, or kidney damage, especially with prolonged use.

An injection may be an option, particularly for severe, acute pain where rapid relief is necessary. However, injections are typically used for a short duration, and a healthcare provider will determine the best course of treatment based on your condition.

Ketorolac is an NSAID that reduces pain and inflammation without the risk of dependency, while morphine is an opioid that blocks pain signals but carries a high risk of addiction with long-term use.