Inco

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Inco

What is Inco? Defining the Medicinal Entity

Property Description
Active ingredient Ketorolac (as the tromethamine salt)
Form Tablets, Injections, Ophthalmic and Nasal solutions
Pharmacological class Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
General purpose Potent pain relief (analgesia) and inflammation reduction
Origin Synthetic compound

Inco is the brand name for a medicine whose active ingredient is ketorolac, a powerful drug used for its significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. As a prescription-only medicine, it is structurally classified as an arylalkanoic acid derivative, and its defining characteristic is its particularly potent capacity for short-term pain relief, clinically recognized for efficacy comparable to certain opioid analgesics.


What Type of Medicine is Inco?

Inco is classified as a Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID), a general pharmacological class of synthetic compounds used to manage pain and inflammation. The medicine is based on the ketorolac tromethamine salt, which operates as a non-selective cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor. This mechanism means that unlike simple pain relievers, ketorolac acts directly at the site of chemical production, reducing the release of prostaglandins, which are the natural chemical messengers responsible for triggering the signals of inflammation and pain in the body. Ketorolac is a highly effective analgesic among the NSAID class, targeting the chemical pathways of acute pain.


Forms and General Purpose of Ketorolac

The medicine is available in various dosage forms and delivery types, offering flexibility for systemic or localized application. These include systemic forms like tablets, oral solutions, and sterile injections, as well as specialized localized forms such as ophthalmic solutions and nasal sprays. The fundamental purpose of the medicine is to provide strong analgesia by interrupting the chemical process that causes discomfort, making it a highly effective anti-inflammatory agent for managing conditions characterized by acute pain. Ketorolac is utilized via multiple routes of administration, including both parenteral and topical uses. This variety allows the drug to either provide comprehensive relief throughout the body or target a specific area, ensuring the medicine is delivered precisely where needed.

What side effects are possible with Inco?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile for Inco is established through mandatory reporting and classification of adverse reactions documented in regulatory sources, such as the FDA and EMA. All observed unwanted effects are cataloged and grouped to provide a clear understanding of the medicine's risks.

Adverse Reaction Classification

Adverse reactions are systematically organized by two main criteria: frequency and the System Organ Class (SOC) affected. Frequency categories define how commonly an event was reported in clinical studies:

  • Very Common: Occurs in 1 in 10 patients or more.
  • Common: Occurs in less than 1 in 10 but at least 1 in 100 patients.
  • Uncommon: Occurs in less than 1 in 100 but at least 1 in 1,000 patients.

Reactions are further classified under SOC groupings such as 'Gastrointestinal disorders,' 'Nervous system disorders,' or 'Infections and infestations,' detailing which body systems are primarily impacted by the medicine.

Serious Adverse Reactions

Specific events are designated as Serious Adverse Reactions (SARs) if they are life-threatening, result in death, require hospitalization, or cause persistent or significant disability. Regulatory agencies require expedited reporting and prominent display of these events in the official labeling.

Safety Considerations for Specific Populations

Official documents include mandatory safety information regarding the use of Inco in certain groups, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, pediatric patients, or individuals with pre-existing conditions like severe hepatic or renal impairment. This information is based on available clinical data or the lack thereof, which may impose specific limitations or monitoring requirements on the medicine's use.

Safety Restrictions

Regulatory labels may mandate specific safety restrictions, such as formal monitoring requirements (e.g., periodic laboratory tests) or the use of formal risk management plans to minimize specific severe risks associated with the medicine.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

The official regulatory documents state that symptoms following acute overdoses of Inco (Ketorolac) are usually limited to lethargy, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and epigastric pain, which are generally reversible with supportive care. Single oral overdoses have also been specifically associated with abdominal pain, hyperventilation, peptic ulcers, and acute renal dysfunction.

When Immediate Medical Help is Required Immediate medical attention is necessary for any suspected overdose. While many manifestations are reversible, severe outcomes such as gastrointestinal bleeding, acute renal failure, hypertension, respiratory depression, and coma may occur, although they are documented as rare. Anaphylactoid reactions are also a documented possibility following an overdose.

Official Management Procedures Patients must be managed by symptomatic and supportive care. There is no specific antidote known. Gastrointestinal decontamination using activated charcoal may be indicated if a large overdose (5 to 10 times the usual dose) is ingested and the patient is seen within four hours. Procedures such as hemodialysis and forced diuresis are not considered useful due to the drug’s high protein binding capacity. Dosage for activated charcoal is specified for adults and children.

Therapeutic Uses of Inco

What Inco Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Inco provides significant relief for acute pain episodes categorized as moderately severe, which may require analgesia at the opioid level. This is commonly used for managing discomfort after surgical procedures, conditions associated with significant discomfort, or during intense episodic events like severe migraines and sickle cell crises. The medication provides support that helps ease the symptom burden during symptomatic periods.

This medication is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed, often in clinical settings marked by inflammation and localized discomfort following surgery, including certain localized treatments. It contributes to improved comfort during periods of heightened symptoms by managing symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states, and may assist with maintaining functional stability.

Inco is relevant in contexts involving heightened systemic burden and where temporary assistance in pain management is appropriate. It offers symptomatic relief that helps patients cope more steadily with difficult episodes, and may be part of symptomatic management without relying solely on narcotic medications, thus supporting general well-being during symptomatic phases.


Quick Fact: Relief for Moderately Severe Acute Pain The medicine is applied in scenarios where additional management of discomfort is required, and is commonly used when symptoms become difficult to tolerate.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who can and cannot use Inco?

Inco (Infliximab) is a monoclonal antibody used to treat several autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Like all potent medications, its use is governed by specific inclusion criteria and contraindications to ensure patient safety and maximize therapeutic benefit.


Who Can Use Inco?

Inco is typically prescribed for adults and children diagnosed with conditions that include:

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Psoriatic Arthritis
  • Ankylosing Spondylitis
  • Plaque Psoriasis
  • Crohn's Disease (moderate to severe)
  • Ulcerative Colitis (moderate to severe)

Selection is based on the disease severity, prior treatment history, and a thorough assessment of the patient's overall health.


Who Cannot Use Inco? (Contraindications)

Inco is absolutely contraindicated in patients with certain conditions, as the risk of serious adverse effects is significantly increased. These contraindications include:

Condition Reason
Severe Heart Failure Increased risk of exacerbation and mortality
Active Severe Infection Risk of worsening infection or sepsis due to immune suppression
Hypersensitivity/Allergy Known severe reaction to Infliximab or its components
Previous TNF-Blocker Failure May indicate lack of therapeutic response or heightened risk

Caution is also advised in patients with a history of hepatitis B infection (due to risk of reactivation), moderate heart failure, or certain neurological disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis). The decision to use Inco must always be made by a healthcare provider after a complete evaluation of the patient's medical profile.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The interaction profile of Inco (ketorolac) is defined by officially documented pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic mechanisms that lead to specific restrictions in regulatory labeling.

Contraindicated Combinations

Co-administration is formally prohibited with several substances due to documented severe risks:

  • Other Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and Aspirin: Contraindicated due to the cumulative risk of serious gastrointestinal bleeding and ulceration.
  • Probenecid: Contraindicated because it significantly increases ketorolac plasma concentrations by reducing its clearance.
  • Lithium: Contraindicated as it decreases lithium renal clearance, potentially leading to toxic plasma levels.
  • Anticoagulation Therapy (e.g., Warfarin): Contraindicated due to the increased risk of serious bleeding events.

Clinically Significant Interactions

Co-administration with the following may require caution:

  • ACE Inhibitors / ARBs and Diuretics: Ketorolac may reduce their antihypertensive or natriuretic effects by inhibiting renal prostaglandin synthesis, potentially increasing the risk of renal impairment in susceptible individuals.
  • SSRIs and Oral Corticosteroids: These combinations may increase the documented risk of gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration.
  • Methotrexate: The renal clearance of methotrexate may be decreased, leading to potential toxicity.

Other Documented Interactions

Oral administration following a high-fat meal results in a documented decreased peak concentration and a delayed time-to-peak concentration of ketorolac. Elderly patients may clear ketorolac more slowly, which can prolong systemic exposure and increase sensitivity to interaction-related risks.

Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of Ketorolac is centered on the inhibition of the Cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme system, specifically blocking both the constitutive COX-1 and inducible COX-2 forms. This foundational molecular block prevents the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostanoids, the primary mediators involved in the physiological processes of inflammation and nociception. By suppressing the synthesis of pro-inflammatory mediators, primarily Prostaglandin E2 ( PGE2), Ketorolac decreases the excitability of peripheral pain-sensing nerves (nociceptors) and modulates local inflammatory processes. This interaction directly contributes to the drug's mechanism of physiological signal modulation. Due to the non-selective nature of the drug, the inhibition of the COX-2 enzyme is obligatorily linked to the simultaneous inhibition of homeostatic COX-1 activity. This interaction results in the transient reduction of Thromboxane A2 ( TXA2) production in platelets, influencing baseline physiological processes such as blood clot formation and processes related to the maintenance of the gastric mucosal layer.

Dosage and Administration Information

Instruction Map: How to Use Inco — Official Administration Guidelines

Administration Scope

Property Official Regulatory Principle
Routes Intravenous (IV) injection, Intramuscular (IM) injection, Oral tablets, and Intranasal spray are approved systemic forms.
Standard Adult Dosing The recommended multiple-dose regimen for patients under 65 is 30 mg IV or IM every 6 hours, not to exceed 120 mg daily.
Continuation Dosing Following initial parenteral therapy, oral continuation involves 10 mg tablets every 4 to 6 hours, with a daily maximum of 40 mg.

Population and Procedural Requirements

Property Official Regulatory Principle
Age-Group Rules A reduced maximum daily dose of 60 mg (IV/IM) or 63 mg (Nasal) is mandated for patients 65 years of age or older, those weighing <50 kg, or patients with impaired kidney function.
Parenteral Preparation Intravenous bolus injection must be administered over a minimum of 15 seconds; the intramuscular injection should be delivered slowly and deeply into the muscle.
Use-Context Constraint The total combined duration of use for all systemic formulations (IV, IM, Oral, and Nasal) must not exceed five days.

Connection to the Overall Use Protocol

The official administration protocol for Inco is structured as a sequential, short-term intervention. Systemic therapy is required to begin via IV or IM injection, with the oral form permitted only as a follow-up continuation treatment. This mandatory sequence, coupled with a strict 5-day maximum total duration, defines the medicine's regulatory use pattern. Dose adjustments for older or lighter patients are a mandatory procedural element of the labeled administration.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies

Clinical research has investigated the effects of this combination drug in relation to inflammatory pathways and nerve signaling involved in chronic pain. The following summaries describe the clinical studies and evidence base used to evaluate the drug.


Evaluation of Outcomes in Chronic Neuropathic Pain

The primary evidence evaluated the drug's effect on outcomes measured by pain scales in adults with refractory chronic neuropathic pain.

  • Phase 3 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) One large-scale Phase 3 RCT examined pain scores (VAS) and reported differences in patients receiving the drug compared to placebo over a 12-week period. The study also evaluated whether the combination influenced the daily interference of pain with sleep and work activities, and reported the findings.

  • Systematic Reviews A systematic review analyzed whether the drug's effect measures differed when compared to monotherapy with either component alone. The systematic review examined whether the dual combination contributed to the observed outcome measures.


Safety and Tolerability Profiles

Clinical research evaluated the safety profile of the drug across various populations.

  • Long-Term Safety Data Studies investigating the drug’s long-term safety beyond 6 months are ongoing. Adverse events most commonly reported in the initial trials included dry mouth and dizziness.

  • Use in Specific Populations (Geriatrics) A smaller observational study tracked the drug's use in the elderly population, examining the rapidity and consistency of the reported changes in pain scores. No evidence was found explicitly comparing this treatment with first-line therapies.

Key Studies & References

  1. Long-term safety profile of a novel combination treatment for pain: An 18-month post-marketing observational study
  2. NICE Guideline [NG225]: Neuropathic pain in adults: pharmacological management

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Inco (FAQ)

Q: Is Inco a cure, or does it only manage the symptoms of the condition?

A: Inco is classified as a Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID) and is used for its potent pain relief and ability to reduce inflammation. Its mechanism is designed to manage symptoms such as pain and swelling rather than to cure the underlying medical condition. This function aligns with the defined purpose of the medicine in official regulatory documents.

Q: What happens if I forget to take a dose of Inco?

A: According to regulatory information, if a dose is missed, taking it as soon as it is remembered is suggested. However, if it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose may be skipped, and the normal dosing schedule resumed. Official guidance notes that double doses should be avoided to make up for a forgotten one.

Q: What should I do if I accidentally take more Inco than prescribed?

A: The official product information notes that symptoms reported following an acute overdose of NSAIDs like Inco are usually limited to mild effects such as lethargy, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. In such situations, the standard protocol relies on symptomatic and supportive care, as no specific antidote exists for this class of medicine.

Q: How often is the prescribing information for Inco updated by regulatory bodies?

A: Regulatory documents, such as the FDA Prescribing Information and the DailyMed labels, are subject to periodic review and updates by the government agencies. These updates occur in response to the submission of new safety data, changes in clinical evidence, or the issuance of new drug safety communications.

Q: Will taking Inco with food change how it works?

A: Official information indicates the oral tablets may be taken with food or an antacid, which is associated with potentially lessening stomach upset. However, co-administration with a high-fat meal has been documented to result in a decreased and delayed peak concentration of the medicine in the body.

Q: What is the risk of an allergic reaction to Inco?

A: Inco is formally contraindicated for use in patients who have a known hypersensitivity, or allergy, to the drug or to other Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Serious allergic reactions, including a severe systemic reaction called anaphylaxis, have been reported in official safety documents.

Q: How quickly should a person expect to notice the effects of Inco?

A: Information on the medicine's effects indicates that the onset of pain-relieving effects typically begins within one hour after administration. The effects are generally observed to last for up to eight hours, consistent with the medicine's defined short-term function.

Q: Is there a generic version of Inco available yet?

A: The active ingredient in Inco, ketorolac tromethamine, has received an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) status from regulatory bodies. This status means that the active ingredient is currently marketed by various generic manufacturers.

Q: Are there any common supplements or vitamins that should be avoided while taking Inco?

A: The official labeling advises that patients should disclose the use of all other products they are taking, including any vitamins, supplements, herbal products, or teas, to their healthcare provider. This allows the provider to evaluate the risk for potential interactions before or during the use of Inco.

Q: Does Inco cause weight gain or weight loss?

A: Weight change is a reported effect in official safety documents. Unusual weight gain is specifically listed as a potential serious, but less common, side effect. This may be linked to the common side effect of swelling, or edema, which is associated with fluid retention.

Q: Is it common to feel tired or dizzy after starting Inco?

A: Official regulatory documents list both drowsiness and dizziness among the common side effects of Inco. A 'common' side effect is defined as occurring in less than 1 in 10 but at least 1 in 100 patients.

Q: Can Inco affect a person's ability to drive or operate machinery?

A: Since side effects can include dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty in concentration, the official labeling includes specific warnings. It is advised to exercise caution when driving or operating machinery until a person is aware of how the medicine affects them.

Q: Are the reported side effects of Inco temporary, or do they usually last a long time?

A: While many side effects are temporary and cease after the medicine is stopped, official warnings indicate that some medical problems may persist or develop months or years after treatment ends. For example, documented concerns include the potential for kidney impairment.

Q: Is it safe to drink alcohol while using Inco?

A: The co-administration of Inco with alcohol (ethanol) is noted in official warnings as being strongly advised against. Alcohol is known to significantly increase the risk of serious gastrointestinal bleeding, which is a key safety concern for this medicine.

Q: Can Inco be used by women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant?

A: Regulatory documents indicate that use of Inco is generally avoided from 30 weeks of gestation (pregnancy) onward due to documented potential risks to the fetus. Use prior to 30 weeks requires a medical benefit-risk assessment to be conducted.

Q: Is Inco safe to use while breastfeeding?

A: According to the manufacturer’s official product information, Inco is formally contraindicated, meaning it is not recommended, for use while breastfeeding. This is a mandatory safety restriction listed in the labeling.

Q: Can Inco be used for conditions other than its approved use?

A: The FDA Prescribing Information defines the specific medical conditions and uses for which the medicine has been officially approved. Use outside of these specific, approved conditions is not addressed in regulatory documents and is not supported by the official labeling.

Q: Does Inco need to be refrigerated, or can it be stored at room temperature?

A: Official storage instructions require the medicine to be stored at controlled room temperature, generally between 20^circ to 25^circC. The labeling explicitly prohibits refrigeration or freezing. Extreme temperatures are noted as potentially compromising the integrity of the medicine.

Q: Will I need to have regular blood tests while taking Inco?

A: Regulatory information advises that patients may require periodic laboratory and blood tests during the course of therapy. This monitoring is typically advised due to potential risks associated with the medicine, such as gastrointestinal bleeding and kidney impairment.

Q: Is Inco the same type of medication as [Another Drug Class]?

A: Inco is definitively classified as a Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID). The medicine functions by acting as a non-selective inhibitor of the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme system, which is the defining characteristic of this pharmacological class.

Q: Is Inco known to cause mood changes or depression?

A: Regulatory sources list depression as a less common side effect. Furthermore, mood changes or unusual behavior are also noted as rare side effects in the official adverse reaction data.

Q: Can Inco affect fertility in men or women?

A: Regulatory warnings state that, as with other NSAIDs, Inco may impair female fertility. For this reason, its use is not recommended in women who are actively trying to conceive.

Q: Is Inco safe for use in children or teenagers?

A: The FDA Prescribing Information for Inco (ketorolac tromethamine) explicitly states that the medicine is not indicated for use in pediatric patients, which includes children and teenagers.

Q: Does Inco have a risk of dependence or addiction?

A: Inco is not structurally classified as an opioid or controlled substance. Official regulatory sources often clarify that this medicine does not carry a risk of dependence or addiction, distinguishing it from certain other classes of pain relievers.

Q: Are there any food or beverage restrictions while taking Inco?

A: Official information advises taking oral tablets with food to potentially minimize stomach upset. The only specific food interaction noted is that a high-fat meal results in a documented decreased and delayed peak concentration of the medicine in the body.

Q: Can I take Inco if I have a history of seizures?

A: Although not a formal contraindication, the FDA drug label advises that caution should be exercised when administering the medicine to patients with a history of seizure disorders. This warning is based on sporadic reports of seizures during concomitant use with antiepileptic drugs.

Q: Does Inco interact with herbal teas or natural health products?

A: Official labeling advises patients to disclose the use of all other medications, including any herbal products and teas, to their healthcare provider. This is necessary to evaluate the risk for potential interactions before or during the use of Inco.

Q: Can Inco cause problems with sleep, like insomnia or vivid dreams?

A: Insomnia (difficulty sleeping) is listed as a potential side effect in official sources, although its frequency is not commonly reported. Furthermore, abnormal thinking is also listed as a less common side effect.

Q: Does Inco affect blood pressure or heart rate?

A: Official adverse reaction data indicates that high blood pressure (hypertension) is listed as a less common side effect. Changes to heart rate, specifically bradycardia (a slowed heart rate), are also listed among the medicine's common effects.

How should Inco be stored and disposed of?

The storage and disposal of Inco (ketorolac tromethamine) must comply strictly with official regulatory conditions to maintain its integrity and stability.

Storage Requirements

Item Official Regulatory Requirement
Temperature Store at Controlled Room Temperature (20^circ to 25^circC or 68^circ to 77^circF). Excursions up to 30^circC are permitted.
Protection Keep in the original container, tightly closed, and protect from light and moisture.
Prohibited Do not refrigerate or expose to excess heat.
Child Safety Keep out of the reach of children and away from their sight.

Disposal Instructions

Disposal must prevent environmental release and contamination. Unused or expired medication should be discarded according to local requirements, with the preferred method being a medicine take-back program. If a take-back program is unavailable, follow the FDA's guidance: mix the medicine with an unappealing substance, place it in a sealed container, and discard it in the household trash. Environmental regulations mandate that the substance should not enter sewers or surface water.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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