Analgesium

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

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 Analgesium

Property Description
Active Ingredient Ketorolac tromethamine
Form Tablets, Injectable Solution, Ophthalmic Solution
Pharmacological Class Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
General Purpose Management of acute pain, inflammation, and fever
Origin Synthetic compound

Analgesium is the trade name for a medication whose active component is Ketorolac tromethamine, classified within the Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID) pharmacological class. This synthetic chemical entity is clinically recognized for its analgesic potency, which often exceeds that of conventional, lower-strength NSAIDs, positioning it for short-term management when pain is more severe. The medication is classified within the anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic products group, a designation that confirms the drug's essential function is to target pain and inflammation.

This medication is fundamentally a non-narcotic agent, offering a powerful, systemic option for managing acute discomfort without producing the dependency or central nervous system depression associated with opioid pain relievers. Ketorolac is recognized as an analgesic for various acute pain settings, supporting its use for strong, short-term pain relief, such as postoperative pain management. Analgesium is a single active ingredient product, formulated into preparations that include oral tablets, an injectable solution for intramuscular or intravenous administration, and an ophthalmic solution. The existence of these multiple forms allows the medicine's utility to be maximized in diverse clinical contexts, from systemic use to targeted local application.

Regulatory References

  1. WHO Essential Medicines List

What side effects are possible with Analgesium?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

Analgesium is a Schedule II controlled substance with a serious safety profile that requires a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) to help ensure its benefits outweigh the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse.

Serious and Clinically Significant Risks

The most critical risk is life-threatening respiratory depression, which can occur even with appropriate use, and is a particular concern in elderly, debilitated, or chronic pulmonary disease patients. This risk is amplified when Analgesium is taken concurrently with benzodiazepines or other Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants, leading to profound sedation, coma, or death.

Additional serious risks documented in regulatory labeling include Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) upon prolonged use during pregnancy, Adrenal Insufficiency, Severe Hypotension, and the potential for Serotonin Syndrome when combined with serotonergic drugs.

Common Adverse Reactions

The most frequently reported adverse reactions (ge 5%) involve the nervous and gastrointestinal systems. These commonly include: nausea, vomiting, somnolence, constipation, dizziness, insomnia, and fatigue.

Safety Restrictions and Monitoring

Due to the risk of dependence, rapid dose reduction or abrupt discontinuation in physically-dependent patients should be avoided, as this may precipitate severe withdrawal symptoms. Dose adjustments, including a lower starting dose, are often required for patients with hepatic or renal impairment. The risk of overdose and death is known to increase as the prescribed daily dosage increases, underscoring the necessity for careful and continuous safety monitoring.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

Documented Overdose Manifestations

The official regulatory documentation for Analgesium (Ketorolac tromethamine) overdose describes expected signs of excessive exposure, which may include lethargy, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and epigastric pain. Single overdoses have also been associated with hyperventilation and the development of peptic ulcers or erosive gastritis. The symptoms of overdose are generally considered reversible with supportive care.

Severe Outcomes and Required Emergency Actions

The potential for serious or life-threatening outcomes is explicitly documented. Severe effects include acute renal failure, respiratory depression, and coma. The regulatory warnings note the risk for gastrointestinal bleeding, perforation, and cardiovascular thrombotic events, such as myocardial infarction or stroke.

Because there is no specific antidote known, patients should receive immediate symptomatic and supportive care following a suspected overdose. Urgent medical help must be sought right away if signs of a heart attack or stroke occur, specifically chest pain, weakness in one side of the body, or slurred speech. Further medical evaluation is required if seizures or bloody vomit are observed. Management may include the consideration of activated charcoal within four hours of a large ingestion, but procedures like forced diuresis or hemodialysis are not considered useful due to the drug’s high protein binding.

Therapeutic Uses of Analgesium

What Analgesium Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Analgesium is commonly used to help with the management of symptomatic discomfort in situations involving certain distressing symptoms. It is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed, focusing on those associated with acute or episodic changes.

As a prescription pain reliever providing supportive relief, this medication is applied in addressing significant discomfort, particularly in situations where symptoms create noticeable physiological strain. The core therapeutic domain of this medication generally aligns with providing supportive symptomatic relief.

Relief for Acute, Heightened Symptom Episodes

This medication is commonly used across conditions that present with acute episodes, such as those associated with trauma or post-surgical recovery, where symptoms may temporarily intensify. It is applied in clinical settings that involve acute or unstable symptom patterns, where supportive symptom management is appropriate. This provides support that contributes to easing the overall symptom load and supports patients during difficult episodes by easing distress.

Easing Distressing Symptoms that Interfere with Comfort

Analgesium is relevant for managing symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive and interfere with daily comfort. It is often used during phases when symptoms become more noticeable and create temporary functional strain. This use is applicable within clinical settings where additional symptomatic support is needed and assists with maintaining general well-being during symptomatic phases, supporting patients during episodes of heightened discomfort.


Quick Fact: Role in Acute Discomfort

The medicine is commonly used during phases when symptoms become more noticeable, assisting with maintaining functional stability.


Regulatory References

  1. MedlinePlus overview on pain relievers

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who can and cannot use Analgesium?

Analgesium (Ketorolac tromethamine) has strict eligibility criteria and is limited to short-term use only (not to exceed five days in adults) as defined by regulatory authorities.

Contraindicated Populations (Must Not Use)

Population/Condition Restriction Basis
Gastrointestinal Risk Active peptic ulcer disease, recent GI bleeding or perforation, or history of these conditions.
Bleeding Risk Suspected or confirmed cerebrovascular bleeding, hemorrhagic diathesis, or incomplete hemostasis.
Organ Dysfunction Advanced renal impairment, severe hepatic failure, or patients at risk for renal failure due to volume depletion.
Procedural/Physiological During the third trimester of pregnancy, labor and delivery, or while breastfeeding. Contraindicated for CABG surgery peri-operative pain.
Hypersensitivity Known allergy to Analgesium, aspirin, or any other NSAID.

Restricted and Non-Established Use

Age Group/Status Official Eligibility Rule
Pediatric Patients (<17 years) Use is not indicated; safety and efficacy have not been established in this age group.
Geriatric Patients (65 years) Requires special caution and a lower maximum daily dose due to increased risk of serious adverse events.
Renal Impairment Contraindicated in advanced impairment. Lesser impairment requires close monitoring and maximum dose reduction.

Eligibility is primarily restricted to adults who do not possess these defined high-risk characteristics, ensuring the medicine's potent effects are managed within official safety parameters.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Official regulatory documents define the interaction profile of Analgesium (Ketorolac tromethamine) primarily through specific contraindications and documented risks of altering plasma concentrations or compromising platelet function.

Category Official Regulatory Statements
Specific Interacting Medicines Aspirin (ASA) or other NSAIDs, Probenecid, Pentoxifylline (Oxpentifylline), Warfarin, Heparin (low-dose), Lithium salts, Methotrexate.
Interaction-Related Restrictions The co-administration with other NSAIDs and Probenecid is formally contraindicated due to the cumulative risk of toxicity and altered clearance. Use with Anticoagulants is also contraindicated due to the high risk of bleeding.
Pharmacokinetic Effects The drug may decrease the renal clearance of Lithium and Methotrexate, leading to officially documented increased plasma concentrations and potential for toxicity. Probenecid significantly reduces Ketorolac clearance, increasing exposure.
Pharmacodynamic Effects Co-administration with Anticoagulants, Anti-platelet Agents, Oral Corticosteroids, and SSRIs/SNRIs is associated with an additive increased risk of serious bleeding or gastrointestinal damage. The drug may reduce the efficacy of Diuretics and ACE Inhibitors due to inhibited renal prostaglandin synthesis.
Population-Specific Notes Elderly patients are at greater risk for interaction-related adverse events due to potentially slower clearance. Impaired renal function also diminishes drug clearance and heightens the risk of interactions with renally cleared medicines.
Food/Alcohol Effects Alcohol co-ingestion is officially documented to increase the risk of gastric irritation and gastrointestinal bleeding. Taking oral tablets with food may delay the onset of pain relief [Regulatory Monograph].

The interaction structure is established by government labels to guide safe use by defining mandatory restrictions and classifying severity based on effects on coagulation, renal function, and drug clearance.

Mechanism of Action

How Analgesium Works: Mechanism of Action

Ketorolac tromethamine acts by regulating the synthesis of specific physiological mediators. The mechanism involves the modulation of enzyme activity within specific biochemical signaling pathways.


Non-Selective Inhibition of Cyclooxygenase Enzymes

This mechanism focuses on the molecular targets: the Cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes. Analgesium functions as a non-selective competitive inhibitor, directly blocking the active sites of both enzymes. This interference prevents the initial conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandins, which are key signaling molecules.


Modulation of Nociceptor Signaling

Reduced prostaglandin concentrations at tissue sites alter the activation threshold of peripheral nerve endings (nociceptors), changing their signaling characteristics. The mechanism also involves central action within the spinal cord and hypothalamus, where inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis influences the central processing of nociception and the thermoregulatory set point.


Physiological Consequence: Functional Modulation

Suppression of mediator formation across the Arachidonic Acid Cascade leads to the functional modulation of targeted pathways. This mechanism results in specific physiological changes characterized by reduced mediator-driven activity across nerve sensitization, vascular dynamics, and central thermal control.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Analgesium

The usage of Analgesium (Ketorolac tromethamine) is governed by standard clinical protocols regarding administration route, dosage, frequency, and duration. This medication is exclusively for short-term systemic use and is not indicated for long-term treatment.

Administration Routes and Sequential Use

Analgesium is available as an injectable solution for initial intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) administration, and as a 10 mg tablet for oral continuation therapy. The standard administration protocol requires the transition from injection to the oral tablet; the tablet is not intended for use as an initial systemic dose.

When given intravenously, the dose must be infused slowly over no less than 15 seconds. The oral tablet is generally instructed to be taken with food, a meal, or an antacid, accompanied by a full glass of water.

Dosing and Course Duration

The maximum combined duration of therapy for all systemic forms (IV, IM, and Oral) must not exceed five days in adults. Typical adult dosing for the injectable route is 30 mg every six hours (q6h), with a maximum daily dose of 120 mg. The oral continuation dose is 10 mg every four to six hours (q4–6h), with a maximum daily limit of 40 mg.

Population-Specific Adjustments

Clinical guidelines indicate a reduced dosage for older adults (65 years and over) or patients with lower body weight or moderate renal impairment. For these specific populations, the multiple-dose regimen is typically reduced (e.g., 15 mg IM/IV every six hours), and the maximum daily systemic dose is limited to 60 mg/day. Systemic use is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Analgesium: Recent Clinical Evidence

Overview of Research Studies

Evidence Focus

Studies explored compounds that engage with the Z1 receptor, and research investigated the potential role of X1 pathway inhibition in the context of C1.

Clinical Efficacy Trials

Monotherapy Trials

Multiple Phase 3 randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted. These studies evaluated the use of the compound in individuals with condition C1.

  • Primary Findings: The primary outcome examined was the change in the Q1 score after eight weeks of treatment. Secondary endpoints included the evaluation of patient-reported quality of life measures.
  • Dose Response: Trials compared various dosages (5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg) to a placebo. The 10 mg dosage was the dose most frequently evaluated for individuals with C3.

Combination Therapy Research

Research examined whether combined treatment demonstrated differences versus monotherapy, specifically when administered with existing agent A1. One specific study enrolled 500 participants with C2 who were already stabilized on A1.

Pharmacokinetic and Safety Profile

Absorption and Metabolism

One study examined the pharmacokinetics of taking the drug with food to explore absorption. The plasma concentration levels in this study were evaluated after oral administration.

Long-Term Safety

Long-term use in adults was evaluated in specific studies, primarily focusing on adverse event rates and laboratory abnormalities over two years.

  • Adverse Events: The most frequently observed adverse events in the studies were headache, nausea, and fatigue.
  • Interactions: Research explored potential interactions when the drug was taken with high-citrate drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Analgesium (FAQ)


Q: Can Analgesium be taken on an empty stomach?

Official labeling for the oral tablet indicates that it is administered with food, a meal, or an antacid, along with a full glass of water. This guidance is provided in the official documentation, although the exact consequences of taking it on an empty stomach are not specified in the regulatory guidance.

Q: What are the most common reasons a doctor might prescribe Analgesium?

According to the official product information, Analgesium is indicated for the short-term management of moderately severe acute pain. This use is often described in regulatory documents for short-term management of moderately severe acute pain, such as in post-operative settings.

Q: What is the difference between physical dependence and addiction regarding Analgesium?

Regulatory documents describe dependence as a physical state where withdrawal symptoms may occur if the medicine is suddenly stopped. Addiction and misuse, while related, are described as a primary, chronic disease characterized by the inability to control the use of the medicine despite experiencing harm.

Q: Can I take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen with Analgesium?

Official regulatory documents state that taking Analgesium concurrently with other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is formally contraindicated due to the risk of cumulative side effects. Analgesium's interactions with acetaminophen, which is not an NSAID, are not specifically listed in these documents.

Q: Are there different forms of Analgesium, like liquid, tablet, or extended-release?

Analgesium is available as oral tablets, an injectable solution for use in medical settings (intravenous or intramuscular), and an ophthalmic solution for eye use. According to the official product monograph, there is no listed extended-release oral formulation.

Q: If Analgesium is a new drug, how long has it been studied in people?

The active ingredient in Analgesium, Ketorolac tromethamine, is an established anti-inflammatory agent that has been used and studied for many years. The active ingredient has been the subject of extensive clinical research, including Phase 3 randomized trials and long-term safety studies.

Q: How does Analgesium compare to aspirin in terms of common side effects?

Official guidance formally contraindicates the co-administration of Analgesium with aspirin due to a significantly increased risk of bleeding. Regulatory documents list Analgesium's common side effects as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, insomnia, and fatigue.

Q: Is it normal to have certain mild side effects when first starting Analgesium?

Regulatory documents list frequently reported adverse reactions (≥ 5%) including nausea, vomiting, somnolence (drowsiness), and fatigue. However, the documents do not specify whether the frequency or severity of these common effects is more noticeable when treatment is first initiated.

Q: What is the purpose of the black box warning (if any) on Analgesium?

Analgesium carries a Boxed Warning (often called a 'black box warning') in its labeling. This serious warning concerns critical risks including severe gastrointestinal toxicity, bleeding, and cardiovascular thrombotic events. This warning is the regulatory basis for the drug's strictly limited, short-term duration of use.

Q: What patient behaviors are described as unsafe while taking Analgesium?

Official regulatory texts describe several unsafe behaviors. These include using the medication for longer than the prescribed duration (maximum 5 days), co-ingestion with alcohol, concurrent use with other NSAIDs or Anticoagulants, and abrupt discontinuation in patients who have developed physical dependence.

Q: What is Analgesium used for besides the main listed conditions?

Official therapeutic indications for Analgesium are specified in regulatory labeling for the short-term management of moderately severe acute pain. Use for any other medical conditions, also known as off-label use, is not described or authorized in these official documents.

Q: How quickly should Analgesium begin to provide pain relief?

Regulatory documents state that Analgesium is absorbed quickly. Peak concentrations in the blood are typically achieved approximately 30 to 60 minutes after injection or about one hour after the oral tablet is taken.

Q: How long does the effect of one dose of Analgesium typically last?

The dosing interval specified in official instructions, which is typically every 4 to 6 hours for oral tablets, is based on the drug's expected duration of analgesic effect.

Q: Can Analgesium affect my ability to drive or operate machinery?

Regulatory documents state that adverse effects such as dizziness, drowsiness (somnolence), and fatigue may occur. Patients who experience these effects are cautioned regarding tasks that require mental alertness, such as driving or operating machinery.

Q: Does Analgesium interact with herbal supplements or vitamins?

Official regulatory documents and drug labels list specific, established drug-drug interactions, but they do not typically provide a comprehensive list or specific warnings related to all herbal supplements or vitamins.

Q: What happens if Analgesium stops working as effectively over time?

Regulatory documents for this product do not describe the development of tolerance (where the drug stops working effectively) over time. The medicine is not intended for long-term use, where decreased effectiveness might potentially be observed.

Q: Does the efficacy of Analgesium depend on the type of pain being treated?

The official use is described for the management of moderately severe acute pain. Regulatory studies show effectiveness across a range of acute pain types, such as post-operative and musculoskeletal pain.

Q: Can taking Analgesium cause mood changes or feelings of anxiety?

Official documents list nervous system effects such as dizziness, somnolence, and insomnia as common adverse reactions. However, mood changes or feelings of anxiety are not listed among the frequently reported or serious adverse reactions.

Q: Is Analgesium available in a generic version?

Analgesium is a trade name. The official name of the active ingredient is Ketorolac tromethamine, which is available generically, as well as under various brand names in the market.

Q: Does Analgesium have a warning about potential cardiovascular risks?

The Boxed Warning for this class of medication specifies that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may increase the risk of serious and potentially fatal cardiovascular thrombotic events. These events can include heart attack (myocardial infarction) and stroke.

Q: What is the risk of a severe allergic reaction to Analgesium?

Hypersensitivity reactions, including severe and potentially fatal reactions like anaphylaxis, have been reported in official documents. Analgesium is formally contraindicated, meaning it must not be used, in any patient with a known allergy to NSAIDs or aspirin.

Q: Does Analgesium affect the results of any common medical tests?

Regulatory documents note that Analgesium may interfere with specific laboratory tests. These include certain urine protein assays and tests designed to evaluate platelet function (the ability of blood to clot).

Q: Is it true that taking pain medicine only after the pain is severe is better?

Official documents emphasize the use of Analgesium for the short-term management of moderately severe acute pain. This use is often managed on a scheduled basis to consistently maintain adequate relief, rather than waiting for the pain to become intense.

Q: What should I do if I miss a scheduled dose of Analgesium?

Official regulatory documents provide general guidance for proper use, but they do not contain instructions or personalized advice regarding the management of a missed scheduled dose of Analgesium.

Q: Can Analgesium be crushed, split, or chewed?

Regulatory instructions specify that the oral tablet form is to be swallowed whole. Altering the physical form of the tablet is not an authorized route of administration and may affect the drug's safety or effectiveness.

Q: Are there different types of Analgesium for different levels of pain?

Official documents detail various dosage strengths (e.g., 10 mg oral, 15 mg/30 mg injectable) and specific dose adjustments. These are used based on the route of administration and patient factors like age, body weight, or kidney function.

Q: Is Analgesium safe for people who have high blood pressure?

Official warnings state that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may lead to new onset or worsening of existing high blood pressure. They may also reduce the effectiveness of medications used to treat high blood pressure (anti-hypertensive drugs).

Q: Does Analgesium work immediately upon swallowing?

The drug is absorbed rapidly after being taken orally. Regulatory documents state that the peak concentrations of Analgesium occur in the bloodstream approximately one hour after swallowing the tablet.

Q: Is Analgesium considered a first-line treatment for its approved uses?

Official documents describe the drug's approved uses, potency, and mandate for short-term use in acute pain. Regulatory labels do not typically classify a medicine as 'first-line,' as this is determined by clinical practice guidelines and individual patient needs.

How should Analgesium be stored and disposed of?

Storage Conditions

Analgesium (Ketorolac tromethamine) must be stored strictly according to official regulatory requirements to ensure product stability. The oral tablets and injectable solution are required to be stored at a Controlled Room Temperature, typically 20 C to 25 C. The container for the tablets must be kept tightly closed to protect the contents from moisture. Liquid formulations must be protected from light, and it is mandatory that the solutions not be frozen.

Required Handling and Disposal

The medicine must always be stored out of the sight and reach of children. Unused or expired Analgesium should be disposed of by following official drug take-back program guidelines. If a take-back program is unavailable, non-hazardous formulations must be disposed of via the FDA household disposal procedure, which involves mixing the product with an undesirable substance, sealing it in a container, and discarding it in the trash. Disposal into wastewater systems is not permitted.

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

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