In modern times, pain is the most common problem people are suffering from. Thus, pain management has become one of the most vital components of health care services. Doctors often rely on medicines as a help for pain management. Ketorolac and Diclofenac are among the most commonly used non-opioids. Although both medicines come to serve similar symptoms, they are quite different from each other. The difference between the strength, usage procedure, risks, and side effects of both medicines is pretty significant. In this article, we will go through Ketorolac Vs Diclofenac. Also, the way it acts on the human body (mechanism of action), the assumed side effects, the risk, and the procedure of consumption.
Differences between Ketorolac and Diclofenac
Both the medicines, Ketorolac and Diclofenac are basically non-opioids that are primarily used for pain management. They serve moderate to severe pain and inflammation. However, their mechanism of action and strength vary from each other.
Ketorolac is a non-opioid medicine that is capable of short-term management of pain. It can serve as post-surgery pain relief, mostly for moderate to severe pain. It’s a high-dose medicine that is available in oral consumption form. Its high-dose nature makes it a highly effective medicine but also tends to show certain adverse effects if consumed in an unauthorized manner.
On the other hand, Diclofenac is best suited for the treatment of chronic pain and inflammation caused by arthritis, migraines, or menstrual cramps. It is comparatively a low-dose medicine and is available in oral, topical gel, eye drop, and injectable forms. It might not be very effective for serving severe pain but is much less prone to showing any side effects when compared to Ketorolac.
Mechanism of Action Ketorolac and Diclofenac
Both Ketorolac and Diclofenac are non-opioids. Yet they tend to show certain differences in their working mechanism.
- Ketorolac’s working mechanism involves the inhibition of COX enzymes that are responsible for prostaglandin synthesis and tend to cause pain, fever, and inflammation. The pain and inflammation are reduced significantly after the prostaglandin production is blocked. Being a high-dose medicine, Ketorolac can be considered as an opioid alternative. It is best suitable for short-term pain control.
- Diclofenac also involves inhibition of the COX enzymes as its working mechanism. It can be used for the treatment of inflammation and pain without possessing any gastrointestinal risk. It is best suitable for the treatment of chronic pain conditions like arthritis, osteoarthritis, etc.
Brief Comparison of Ketorolac and Diclofenac
Both ketorolac and diclofenac are pain relief medicines. Yet they show certain differences in various aspects.
- Strength
Despite being from the same drug class, ketorolac is considered to be a very high-dose medicine. It is mostly used for curing moderate to severe pain, especially the post-surgery pains. On the other hand, Diclofenac is comparatively a low-dose medicine. It is mostly used for the cure of chronic pain.
- Available forms
Ketorolac is widely available as an oral consumption form, while Diclofenac is available in oral consumption, eye drops, applicable gel, and injected forms.
- Duration advised
Ketorolac, being a high-dose medicine, tends to show certain side effects on long-term consumption. Thus, it is mostly advised for short-term consumption. On the other hand, diclofenac, being a comparatively low-dose medicine, doesn’t possess any high risk of showing a side effect. Thus, it is generally advised for long-term use.
Potential Side Effects of Ketorolac and Diclofenac
Both the drugs, Ketorolac and Diclofenac, are clinically tested and certified to be safe drugs that can be used as a pain relief medicine. Yet they tend to show certain side effects sometimes. Some of the potential side effects are listed below.
Side Effects of Ketorolac
Ketorolac, being a very high-dose medicine, is slightly more prone to showing certain side effects. Some of the commonly known and not-so-serious side effects include
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Diarrhea
The above-listed side effects are not to be worried much about and can be easily taken care of. But there are certain side effects that pose a high risk to an individual’s body. These side effects are listed below.
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Ulcer
- Kidney Failure
Side Effects of Diclofenac
Despite being a comparatively low-dose medicine, Diclofenac also tends to have certain side effects. The commonly known and not-so-serious side effects are.
- Nausea
- Upset Stomach
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Itching and Rashes
Though the above-listed side effects don’t pose any life-threatening risks, there are certain side effects that should be taken serious care of.
- Heart Stroke
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding
- Ulcer
- Liver Damage
- Kidney Damage
- High Blood Pressure
All the above-listed side effects are the potential side effects and possess a very low chance of showing up.
Warnings for Ketorolac and Diclofenac Consumption
Both the medicines, Ketorolac and Diclofenac, are trusted by doctors from all around the globe for being safe. Yet the government has published certain FDA warnings on the consumption of these medicines.
Warnings for Ketorolac
- Consumption of Ketorolac should not exceed 5 days.
- Should be avoided if the patient is suffering from an ulcer disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, or any sort of kidney dysfunction.
- Consumption should be avoided immediately after a surgery where there is a high risk of increased bleeding.
Warnings for Diclofenac
- Should not be consumed by patients with a history of heart attacks or other heart-related problems.
- Should be avoided if the patient is suffering from any sort of liver dysfunction.
- Should be avoided if the patient is suffering from an ulcer disease or gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Consumption should be avoided if the patient has undergone any cardiac surgeries.
As the medicines, ketorolac and diclofenac, are not opioids, they are neither considered addictive nor abusive. But yes, they can probably show certain side effects, and prolonged exposure to the medicines might cause several organ damages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I take ketorolac with diclofenac?
No, you should never consume ketorolac with diclofenac. As both medicines are non-opioids, consuming them together can increase risks of gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, heart attacks, etc. On being consumed together, they can often prove to be fatal and life-threatening.
Which is stronger Ketorolac or Diclofenac?
Ketorolac is a high-dose medicine. Diclofenac is a low-dose medicine. Both are non-opioid medicines and are used for pain relief. Ketorolac is thus a stronger and more effective medicine as compared to diclofenac.
Conclusion
Both ketorolac and diclofenac are categorized as non-opioids. Both medicines are medically tested and certified to be safe pain relief medicines. Doctors usually prescribe ketorolac to the patients who have undergone some surgery; the post-surgery pain is unbearable. It is capable of curing moderate to severe pain. On the other hand, Diclofenac is usually prescribed for the pain due to chronic conditions caused by inflammation, like arthritis. Both the medicines should be consumed in a controlled manner as prescribed by the physician or the doctor.