Dolgenal (NSAID)

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Dolgenal (NSAID)

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 Dolgenal (NSAID)

Property Description
Active ingredient Ketorolac tromethamine
Form Tablet, Injectable solution, Ophthalmic solution
Pharmacological class Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
Common use Management of acute pain
Origin Synthetic compound

What Type of Medicine is Dolgenal (Ketorolac)?

Dolgenal is a prescription-only medicine whose active component is the synthetic compound Ketorolac tromethamine. It is classified as a Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID). This specific NSAID is clinically recognized for possessing a particularly high degree of analgesic potency when compared to many other compounds in its class.

This pharmacological distinction means Ketorolac is primarily reserved for severe, acute pain that requires robust, short-term management. It is used as a powerful non-opioid analgesic, establishing it as a key option for intense discomfort without the central nervous system effects associated with narcotics.

Composition, Origin, and Available Forms

The therapeutic action of Dolgenal is derived from the Ketorolac tromethamine molecule, a single-ingredient compound originating from the acetic acid group of NSAIDs. The drug is manufactured into multiple specialized delivery platforms to suit various clinical needs.

These preparations include the traditional tablet for oral administration, the injectable solution (parenteral) for rapid systemic effects, and the specialized ophthalmic solution used topically for ocular pain management.

General Purpose and Core Analgesic Function

The primary purpose of Dolgenal is the effective short-term management of moderate to severe acute pain. Its function relies on interrupting the biochemical processes that drive the inflammatory cascade. Its primary role is to relieve pain by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins, the chemical mediators responsible for sensitizing pain receptors and causing inflammation.

This action delivers both peripheral analgesia and anti-inflammatory benefits simultaneously, providing focused relief from intense discomfort and associated swelling.

What side effects are possible with Dolgenal (NSAID)?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of Dolgenal (Ketorolac tromethamine) is formally classified based on incidence data from official regulatory documents. As a potent Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID), its use is associated with a range of effects across multiple organ systems.

Official Adverse Reaction Scope

Adverse reactions are classified by frequency, with Headaches and Nausea documented as having an incidence greater than 10%. Common adverse reactions (1% to 10%) include Dyspepsia, Diarrhea, Abdominal pain, Edema, Dizziness, and Hypertension. Reactions are grouped by System-Organ Class, prominently featuring Gastrointestinal, Cardiovascular, and Renal and Urinary Disorders.

Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Constraints

The official labeling includes a mandatory warning regarding the risk of serious gastrointestinal ulceration, bleeding, and perforation, as well as the risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction and stroke. These risks are explicitly documented to increase with higher doses and with the duration of use.

The systemic use of the medicine is restricted to a maximum combined duration of five (5) days to mitigate this cumulative risk.

Population-Specific Safety Notes

Specific restrictions are placed on certain populations. The medicine is contraindicated during the third trimester of pregnancy, labor and delivery, and in nursing mothers. Older adults (ge 65 years) are documented to be at greater risk for serious adverse events, particularly severe gastrointestinal effects. Use is also contraindicated in patients with advanced renal impairment and those undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help for Dolgenal (Ketorolac tromethamine)

Symptoms following an acute overdose of Dolgenal are generally limited to common, reversible effects. Officially documented manifestations include nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, lethargy, and drowsiness. Overdoses have also been associated with abdominal pain and signs of renal dysfunction.

Rare but serious manifestations have been reported after large NSAID overdoses, including gastrointestinal bleeding, acute renal failure, respiratory depression, and coma. In such severe cases, or if an anaphylactoid reaction occurs, immediate emergency medical help must be sought.

The regulatory profile confirms that no specific antidote is known for Ketorolac overdose. Management is based strictly on providing symptomatic and supportive care. For large oral overdoses (5 to 10 times the usual dose), procedures like the administration of activated charcoal or an osmotic cathartic may be indicated if the patient is seen within four hours of ingestion. Procedures such as hemodialysis are generally considered not useful due to the high protein binding of the compound. Overdose symptoms are typically reversible when appropriate supportive care is provided.

Therapeutic Uses of Dolgenal (NSAID)

The therapeutic scope of Dolgenal (Ketorolac) is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed in clinical contexts characterized by acute, pronounced discomfort and inflammation. It is generally used in situations where symptoms that interfere with daily functioning may be present and commonly used when short-term symptomatic assistance is needed. The medication is used to relieve moderately severe pain, typically after surgery, and is not for chronic or mild conditions.

Therapeutic Scope and Patient Benefit

This medication is commonly used to help with symptoms related to physical discomfort that arise suddenly from traumatic injury, medical procedures, or other acute causes. Systemic use is considered relevant in clinical settings marked by increased discomfort or tension following surgical operations or acute musculoskeletal injury, where pain may be accompanied by inflammation and swelling. The ophthalmic form is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed for the eye surface, including symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states following eye surgery and intense allergic itching.

It offers symptomatic relief that provides support that helps ease the overall symptom load, may assist with maintaining functional stability, and contributes to easing the overall symptom load during episodes of heightened discomfort.

Conditions commonly used to manage: Moderately severe acute systemic pain, postoperative discomfort, acute musculoskeletal injury pain, post-cataract surgery inflammation, and seasonal allergic eye itching.

“This medication is primarily reserved for the short-term management of moderately severe acute pain.”

Quick Fact: Relief for Acute Pain
Dolgenal is commonly used when short-term symptomatic assistance is needed to address symptoms associated with acute or episodic changes and inflammation that interfere with daily functioning.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH MedlinePlus Drug Information

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Official Regulatory Eligibility and Non-Eligibility

Dolgenal (NSAID) is generally indicated for use in adult patients (typically ge 16 years of age) for short-term management, with the total duration of use (combined oral and injectable) not to exceed 5 days as per official labeling. It is not indicated for minor or chronic painful conditions.


Populations for Whom Use is Contraindicated

Official regulatory documents classify the following groups and conditions as contraindications (must not use the medicine):

  • Patients with a known hypersensitivity to the drug or who have experienced allergic-type reactions (e.g., asthma, urticaria) after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs.
  • Patients with active peptic ulcer disease, recent gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding or perforation, or a history of these serious GI conditions.
  • Patients with advanced renal impairment or those at high risk for renal failure due to volume depletion.
  • Patients with suspected or confirmed cerebrovascular bleeding, hemorrhagic diathesis, incomplete hemostasis, or other conditions posing a high risk of bleeding.
  • Patients in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery (for peri-operative pain management).
  • Patients who are currently receiving aspirin or other NSAIDs.
  • Pregnant patients during labor and delivery and use must be avoided from 20 weeks of gestation onward due to potential fetal risks. Use is also contraindicated in breastfeeding women.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The official regulatory profile for Ketorolac tromethamine is defined by a set of pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) interactions, many of which are designated as contraindicated combinations.


Contraindicated Combinations

  • Co-administration with other NSAIDs, including Aspirin, is strictly contraindicated due to a cumulative risk of serious gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and renal damage.
  • Probenecid and Lithium (salts) are contraindicated as they cause significant exposure alteration: Probenecid increases Ketorolac plasma levels due to decreased clearance, while Ketorolac decreases Lithium clearance, risking toxicity.
  • The use with Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin) and Oxpentifylline is contraindicated due to heightened bleeding risk (PD interaction).

Clinically Significant Interactions

  • Co-administration with Methotrexate results in increased toxicity by decreasing its renal clearance.
  • SSRIs and Corticosteroids increase the risk of GI ulceration and bleeding (additive PD effect).
  • Diuretics and ACE Inhibitors/ARBs may reduce the antihypertensive or diuretic effect and increase the risk of renal impairment due to interference with renal prostaglandin synthesis.

Additional Restrictions and Notes

The total duration of use of all systemic Ketorolac formulations must not exceed 5 days to mitigate the cumulative risk of adverse reactions. Alcohol consumption is documented to increase GI toxicity risk. Elderly patients show slower clearance, resulting in higher drug exposure that affects interaction severity, and systemic use is constrained in severe renal or hepatic impairment.

Mechanism of Action

Enzyme-Mediated Signaling Modulation

Dolgenal is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) whose pharmacodynamic effects are based on modulating key enzyme pathways that regulate eicosanoid synthesis and physiological signaling. The drug acts by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, specifically both the COX-1 and COX-2 isoforms. This enzyme inhibition prevents the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandins and thromboxanes. By suppressing this key step in the eicosanoid pathway, the drug modifies early molecular steps that shape systemic physiological outcomes and reduces the synthesis of eicosanoids involved in receptor sensitization and inflammatory signaling.

️ Systemic Mediator Regulation

The resulting pathway effects limit the concentration of key mediators, notably the prostaglandins, which are major regulators of fever and localized vascular responses. The reduction in prostaglandin concentration decreases localized vascular permeability, which modifies processes associated with heightened physiological responses.

Central and Peripheral Pathway Engagement

In addition to the peripheral modification of eicosanoid production at injury sites, Dolgenal may also modify signaling in the central nervous system associated with amplification of nociceptive input. These effects contribute to the overall pattern of physiological modulation associated with the drug’s action.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Dolgenal (Ketorolac Tromethamine) — Administration Guidelines

This section outlines usage instructions for Dolgenal based strictly on prescribing information.

Administration Scope and Routes

Dolgenal is administered via several approved routes, with specific conditions for each form. The medicine is available as an injectable solution for Intramuscular (IM) and Intravenous (IV) bolus administration, and as an Oral (PO) tablet.

Key Dosing and Duration Constraints

All patients must adhere to a strict maximum total course duration of 5 days when combining both injectable and oral forms of Dolgenal. The oral tablet is only indicated for continuation therapy following initial parenteral (IM or IV) administration; it is not approved for starting treatment.

Instruction Entity Guideline (Adults under 65 years, 50 kg or more)
Parenteral Dosing Frequency 30 mg every 6 hours (q6h). Maximum daily dose: 120 mg.
Oral Dosing Frequency 10 mg every 4 to 6 hours (q4-6h). Maximum daily dose: 40 mg.
IV Bolus Rate Must be given over no less than 15 seconds.

Population-Specific Dosing

Reduced Dosing is mandatory for patients 65 years or older, those with impaired renal function, or those weighing less than 50 kg. For these special populations, the multiple-dose regimen is reduced to 15 mg every 6 hours, with a maximum daily dose of 60 mg for the injectable form.

Procedural Summary

Therapy should begin with the injectable form. Once the injectable phase is complete, treatment may transition to the oral tablet, which is taken as needed. Throughout this process, the cumulative use must not exceed the 5-day limit. Hypovolemia must be corrected prior to injection.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies

Research Focus: Key Areas of Evaluation

Studies have examined Dolgenal as a potential treatment for moderate to severe chronic autoimmune conditions, primarily focusing on its impact in areas where existing therapies show limitations.

  • Target Investigation: Research explored the drug’s potential impact on inflammatory signaling pathways.
  • Symptom Assessment: Research investigated how the study parameters related to symptom management.
  • Disease Activity: Clinical trials and long-term extensions investigated the measured changes in disease activity as assessed by validated clinical scores.
  • Participant Experience: Research assessed whether the combination was linked to changes in quality of life metrics reported by participants.

Summary of Clinical Trials

Clinical trials for Dolgenal involved thousands of participants globally across multiple randomized, placebo-controlled study designs.

Monotherapy Trials

Phase 3 trials specifically focused on the use of Dolgenal alone (monotherapy) in participants who had either failed or were intolerant to previous first-line treatments.

  • Outcomes Measured: Studies investigated the measured changes in the frequency of flare-ups. Key outcomes were measured at 12 and 24 weeks.
  • Study Parameters: Trial protocols specified a range of study parameters.
  • Research Population: The research population primarily involved adult patients, and data on adverse events were collected in each study.

Combination Therapy Trials

Other trials explored using Dolgenal in combination with conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

  • Comparative Assessment: The combination was often compared against standard care (e.g., DMARDs plus placebo) or other biologic agents.
  • Impact Assessment: Researchers examined the measured changes in pain and inflammation metrics when Dolgenal was added to an existing regimen.
  • Protocol Details: Trial protocols included various methods for participant engagement and monitoring.

Safety and Tolerability Profile

Research gathered extensive data on adverse events and participant tolerability. Data collection throughout all trial phases focused on specific events associated with JAK inhibition. Trial designs required specific laboratory monitoring parameters.

Key Studies & References

  1. Systematic Review: Is the Use of NSAIDs Effective and Safe in the Elderly?
  2. Immunosuppressive Medication for the Treatment of Autoimmune Disease (Clinical Guidance)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Dolgenal (NSAID) (FAQ)

Q: How quickly does Dolgenal typically start to work after taking a dose?

Official product information includes data on the drug's time to peak plasma concentration. This information provides the estimated timeframe in which pain relief may begin.

Parenteral (injectable) forms of the medicine generally result in faster initial action compared to the oral tablets.

Q: How long does the pain relief effect of Dolgenal generally last in the body?

Regulatory documents include the drug's mean terminal half-life, which indicates how quickly the medicine is cleared from the body. This information helps determine the typical duration of the therapeutic effect.

Q: What is the difference between Dolgenal (NSAID) and acetaminophen (like Tylenol)?

According to regulatory classification, Dolgenal is defined as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This means its action involves inhibiting prostaglandins, which are key drivers of inflammation and pain.

Acetaminophen, in contrast, is not classified as an NSAID and achieves pain relief through a different mechanism in the body.

Q: Does taking Dolgenal with food reduce the risk of stomach irritation?

Official administration instructions describe whether the medicine should be taken with food. While taking it with food may help reduce the risk of stomach irritation, official information describes that this medicine is generally administered without strict regard to meals.

Q: What specific signs of a serious gastrointestinal side effect should I be aware of when taking Dolgenal?

Patient safety guidance provided in official documents details critical symptoms that may require prompt professional evaluation. These signs may include passing bloody or black/tarry stools, vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds, or experiencing severe, persistent abdominal pain.

Q: Is it true that Dolgenal can slow down the body's natural healing process or recovery from injury?

The way this medicine works involves inhibiting prostaglandins, which are chemicals that play a role in both inflammation and tissue repair processes. Specific information regarding its potential impact on long-term recovery or bone healing may be available in clinical literature beyond the product label.

Q: What is the 'ceiling effect' of Dolgenal, and what does it mean for pain relief?

The 'ceiling effect' refers to the dose beyond which higher amounts of a drug do not provide any greater pain relief. Official dosing guidelines define the maximum recommended daily amount, noting that taking amounts above this limit is associated with an increased potential risk of serious side effects without providing additional analgesic benefit.

Q: Is it possible for Dolgenal to cause ringing in the ears (tinnitus)?

Regulatory documents that list adverse reactions include ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, as a documented potential side effect of the medicine. This is generally a less common effect but is noted in the official safety information.

Q: Does Dolgenal interact with herbal supplements or dietary products?

Official patient safety information includes a general caution about using this medicine with herbal supplements and dietary products. The rationale for this caution is that some products may increase the risk of side effects, such as bleeding, or potentially interfere with how the medicine works.

Q: What should I do if I miss a scheduled amount of Dolgenal?

Patient administration guidelines typically advise that if a dose is missed and it is close to the time of the next scheduled amount, the recommendation is to proceed with the next dose at the regular time. If more time remains before the next dose, the missed amount can generally be taken as soon as it is remembered.

Q: Are there different versions of Dolgenal that are easier on the stomach, like a coated pill?

Official documentation lists the available dosage forms of the medicine, which include the oral tablet, injectable solution, and ophthalmic solution. The approved regulatory forms do not generally include specific coated or delayed-release versions explicitly marketed as 'easier on the stomach.'

Q: What does regulatory guidance say about using Dolgenal with other pain relief patches or creams?

Official regulatory warnings advise against combining this medicine with other NSAIDs to avoid cumulative side effects, particularly affecting the kidneys or stomach. This warning regarding cumulative risk includes systemic exposure from other NSAID sources, which may extend to topical patches or creams containing NSAID ingredients.

Q: What should I look for on the label to make sure I am not taking multiple NSAIDs at once?

Patient safety information advises checking the 'Active Ingredient' list on the labels of all non-prescription medicines. This ensures that you are not inadvertently taking other NSAIDs, which are officially not recommended for use with this medicine.

Q: Does Dolgenal affect fertility or the ability to plan a pregnancy?

Regulatory documents include a specific warning stating that the use of this drug may temporarily impair female fertility. Official guidance notes that the drug should be avoided by women who are actively attempting to conceive, and the effect on fertility is considered reversible upon stopping the medicine.

Q: Are there specific symptoms that indicate I should stop taking Dolgenal immediately and seek professional help?

The Patient Medication Guide provides a list of severe or emergent symptoms that may require prompt medical assessment. These include chest pain, sudden weakness on one side of the body, difficulty breathing, or signs of a severe allergic reaction like swelling of the face or throat.

Q: If Dolgenal is used for menstrual cramps, how does it work to relieve that specific type of pain?

The drug's mechanism of action explains that it works by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins. These are the chemical mediators that cause the muscles of the uterus to contract, leading to the pain and inflammation associated with menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea).

Q: Are there any specific safety warnings for people with diabetes taking Dolgenal?

Official warnings highlight the potential for renal (kidney) impairment and fluid retention associated with this medicine. These effects may be of particular concern for individuals who have underlying conditions, such as diabetes, that may already affect kidney function.

Q: What is the risk of developing a stomach ulcer if I use Dolgenal for a short time?

Official documents include a mandatory warning that serious gastrointestinal risks, including ulceration and bleeding, can occur at any time during treatment. While the risk increases with longer duration, these serious events are documented to potentially occur even within the permitted short duration of use.

Q: Is Dolgenal addictive, or is there a risk of becoming dependent on it?

Regulatory classification confirms this drug is not a controlled substance. Official information defines it as a non-narcotic pain reliever with no known risk for dependence or addiction.

Q: What are the non-pain-related uses of Dolgenal, such as for fever or inflammation?

The regulatory profile confirms that the medicine possesses anti-inflammatory and antipyretic (fever-reducing) properties. However, its primary and approved indication is for the short-term management of moderate to severe acute pain.

Q: What common over-the-counter medicines contain NSAIDs that should not be combined with Dolgenal?

Patient safety resources list common examples of other non-prescription NSAID ingredients that should not be combined with this medicine. This is due to the cumulative risk of serious side effects, and examples include ingredients found in common pain relievers and cold medications.

Q: Is there a possibility of an allergic reaction to Dolgenal, and what are the symptoms?

Patient safety documents describe the serious signs of an allergic reaction to this medicine. These symptoms can include hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, tongue, and throat, and may require prompt medical assessment.

Q: Can Dolgenal cause issues with liver function, and how would I know?

Official warnings document the risk of liver enzyme elevations and rare, severe hepatic reactions. The need for regular monitoring is addressed in the professional prescribing information, as these reactions may sometimes occur without typical symptoms like nausea or fatigue.

Q: Are there different forms of Dolgenal (e.g., tablet, liquid, gel) available, and do they work differently?

Regulatory documents list the approved forms, which include the oral tablet and injectable solution. Official information describes the pharmacokinetic differences, noting that parenteral (injectable) administration results in faster and higher peak concentrations than the oral tablet, which is typically used for continuation therapy.

Q: If I have high blood pressure, what precautions are necessary before using Dolgenal?

Official warnings recommend that the medicine be used with caution in patients who have pre-existing high blood pressure (hypertension). Regulatory guidance states that, in the professional setting, blood pressure is recommended to be monitored carefully throughout the course of treatment due to the potential for fluid retention and blood pressure changes.

Q: If Dolgenal causes me heartburn, does that mean I have a stomach ulcer?

Official documents distinguish between common side effects like heartburn (dyspepsia) and the serious risks of stomach ulceration and bleeding. Heartburn is a common side effect, but confirmation of a serious gastrointestinal condition generally requires professional assessment.

Q: What is the difference in action between Dolgenal (NSAID) and opioid pain relievers?

Official regulatory documents define this medicine as a non-narcotic pain reliever. It works by inhibiting the COX enzyme system, which is a peripheral mechanism. Opioid pain relievers, in contrast, act centrally on the brain and spinal cord to reduce pain signals.

Q: Do studies suggest Dolgenal is more effective for pain or inflammation?

The regulatory designation as a 'potent NSAID analgesic' and its core indication for acute pain suggests that the primary recognized role is defined as pain relief (analgesia). This pain relief is achieved through its mechanism of modulating inflammatory mediators.

Q: Does the effectiveness of Dolgenal wear off over time with chronic use (tolerance)?

Official information confirms this medicine is not indicated for chronic use. The total duration of use must not exceed 5 days, which is intended to mitigate risks and avoids the context in which pharmacological tolerance would typically be evaluated.

Q: What kind of studies have been performed on the long-term safety of Dolgenal?

Regulatory summaries confirm that the duration of clinical trials and the focus of safety monitoring were specifically designed to assess risks associated with short-term, acute use. The data collected primarily focused on potential gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and renal events over the acute treatment period.

How should Dolgenal (NSAID) be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Dolgenal (Ketorolac Tromethamine)

Official regulatory documents define strict environmental and container requirements for storing Dolgenal.


Storage Conditions

Ketorolac must be stored at controlled room temperature, which is defined as 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F), with permitted excursions up to 30 C. It is mandatory to keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children and do not freeze any formulation.

Protection Requirement Application (Based on Form)
Protect from Light Injectable and Ophthalmic Solutions
Protect from Moisture Oral Tablets
Keep Tightly Closed Tablet Container

Multi-dose ophthalmic solutions require disposal one month after opening. Injectable solutions are generally stable for 48 hours after dilution.

Disposal

Unused or expired Dolgenal should be disposed of via an authorized drug take-back program as the preferred method. If such a program is unavailable, the product should be mixed with an undesirable substance (such as used coffee grounds) and placed in a sealed container before discarding in household trash. It must not be flushed down drains or toilets.

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

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