Vizidol

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Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

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 Vizidol

What is Vizidol? (Ketorolac Overview)

This foundational section defines the medicine Vizidol, clarifying its composition, pharmacological type, and general purpose.

Property Description
Active Ingredient Ketorolac Tromethamine
Form Tablet, Solution for injection, Ophthalmic solution, Nasal spray
Pharmacological Class Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
General Purpose Acute pain and inflammation relief
Origin Synthetic organic compound

What Type of Medicine is Vizidol?

Vizidol is a prescription-only medicine classified as a Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID). Its active substance is Ketorolac, a potent, short-term analgesic (painkiller).

Vizidol (Ketorolac) is clinically utilized for providing significant pain relief, often in scenarios where powerful non-opioid options are required. As a synthetic compound and single-ingredient product, its positioning in medical practice is characterized by its use against acute discomfort.

Composition and Available Forms

The active agent in Vizidol is Ketorolac Tromethamine, a synthetic derivative that gives the medication its therapeutic effect. Ketorolac acts by inhibiting the body's enzyme cyclooxygenase. This mechanism limits the production of chemical messengers that cause pain and swelling.

A unique differentiating factor for Vizidol is its availability across several routes of administration. These forms include oral tablets, solution for injection (administered parenterally), and specialized forms such as nasal sprays and ophthalmic solutions (eye drops).

Vizidol’s General Purpose

The overall purpose of Vizidol is to provide effective, non-opioid relief for moderately severe acute pain. Because of its potent action, Vizidol is often used when robust pain control is needed, such as post-operative discomfort. Ketorolac is classified as an essential medicine, a designation indicating that the drug is considered necessary for a basic healthcare system.

What side effects are possible with Vizidol?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of Vizidol (Ketorolac), as documented in official regulatory sources, centers on classifying adverse reactions across various organ systems and highlighting significant potential risks common to Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).


Official Adverse Reactions and Classification

Adverse reactions are formally grouped by System-Organ Class (SOC). Commonly documented effects primarily involve the Gastrointestinal system (including dyspepsia, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain) and the Nervous System (such as headache and drowsiness). Less common but documented effects involve the Renal and Urinary Disorders, Hepatobiliary Disorders, and Dermatological systems.

Classification Examples of Documented Effects
Common Nausea, Dyspepsia, Headache, Drowsiness, Edema, Hypertension
Uncommon/Rare Congestive heart failure, Syncope, Acute renal failure, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)

Serious Safety Considerations

The official labeling includes prominent warnings about rare but potentially fatal serious adverse reactions. These include severe Gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, and perforation. A risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, such as myocardial infarction and stroke, is also explicitly documented.


Safety Constraints and Special Populations

Regulatory documents impose specific constraints on the use of Vizidol. Because the risk of serious GI and cardiovascular events increases with the duration of use, the medicine is restricted to short-term management. Specific population constraints exist, including a contraindication for use in patients with advanced renal impairment and during the third trimester of pregnancy. Older adults are identified as being at greater risk for serious gastrointestinal and renal adverse events.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose of Vizidol (Ketorolac Tromethamine) requires immediate medical attention. When overexposure is suspected, official regulatory guidance mandates seeking emergency services for immediate clinical assessment and management.

Documented Manifestations and Severe Outcomes

An overdose may initially present with signs that are typically reversible, including gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and epigastric pain. Central nervous system effects such as lethargy, drowsiness, and hyperventilation have also been documented in regulatory sources.

However, the official profile warns that severe systemic outcomes are possible. These life-threatening manifestations include:

  • Gastrointestinal bleeding, peptic ulcers, and erosive gastritis.
  • Acute renal failure, hypertension, respiratory depression, and coma.

Management and Emergency Action

In the event of an overdose, treatment must be managed entirely by symptomatic and supportive care measures, as no specific antidotes are known for Ketorolac Tromethamine overexposure. Due to the high protein binding of the medicine, certain procedural interventions like forced diuresis or hemodialysis are not generally considered useful in management. The presence of any of the severe manifestations listed above constitutes a condition under which urgent medical help must be sought for supportive treatment and continuous monitoring.

Therapeutic Uses of Vizidol

What Vizidol Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Vizidol (Ketorolac) is commonly used in clinical contexts where supportive symptomatic management is appropriate for symptoms related to physical discomfort and inflammatory conditions. The medication is relevant for the short-term management of moderately severe acute pain that generally requires analgesia relevant for heightened symptoms. It is indicated for conditions such as pain following an operation, severe discomfort from acute musculoskeletal injuries, and intense episodes like renal colic and certain migraines.

The primary therapeutic purpose is relevant for easing symptoms that become more disruptive during acute episodes. This medicine is generally applied when symptoms create noticeable physiological strain, assisting with managing the cluster of symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states, such as localized swelling and tissue reaction following injury.

“The medication offers symptomatic relief that helps maintain a sense of stability when pain symptoms are more noticeable, contributing to easing the overall symptom load during acute episodes.”


Quick Fact: Relief for Acute High-Intensity Pain

Vizidol is commonly used during phases of increased distress or discomfort, particularly when short-term symptomatic assistance is needed for pain that has reached a moderately severe level. It may assist with maintaining a sense of stability when symptoms interfere with routine activities.

Regulatory References

  1. Ketorolac Tromethamine injection, solution - DailyMed - NIH

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Vizidol? (Official Regulatory Information)

Vizidol (Ketorolac) is approved for adults (ge 18 years of age) for the short-term management of moderately severe acute pain. Use is strictly limited in many populations and clinical scenarios based on official regulatory labeling.


Absolute Contraindications

Vizidol must not be used by patients with the following conditions, as these are absolute contraindications established by regulatory authorities:

  • Active peptic ulcer disease, recent gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, or a history of either.
  • Advanced renal impairment or patients at high risk of renal failure due to volume depletion.
  • Suspected or confirmed cerebrovascular bleeding or other bleeding disorders.
  • Known hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to Ketorolac, aspirin, or any other Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID).
  • Concurrent use of aspirin or other NSAIDs.

Population Restrictions

Population Group Regulatory Status
Pediatric Patients Contraindicated in children younger than 18 years for systemic use, as safety and efficacy are not established.
Older Adults (ge 65 years) Requires caution; a reduced maximum daily dose is mandatory due to increased risk of adverse events.
Pregnancy Contraindicated in the third trimester, during labor and delivery.
Lactation Contraindicated or not recommended for nursing mothers.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Vizidol Interactions with other medicines and products

Vizidol's official regulatory documentation structures its interaction profile into two main areas: risks associated with combined physiological effects (pharmacodynamic) and risks related to altered drug concentration (pharmacokinetic).

Contraindicated Combinations

Co-administration with certain substances is officially prohibited due to unacceptable risk. Vizidol is contraindicated with Aspirin and other Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) because this combination leads to a cumulative and severe risk of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. The concurrent use of Probenecid is also contraindicated. This is due to Probenecid significantly impairing Vizidol's clearance, which results in a documented threefold increase in Vizidol’s total plasma exposure (AUC).

Clinically Significant Effects

Vizidol has documented pharmacodynamic interactions that increase risk. Co-administration with Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin) presents a synergistic effect that elevates the risk of bleeding complications. Due to its effect on renal prostaglandin synthesis, Vizidol may diminish the efficacy of Diuretics and increase the risk of renal impairment when combined with ACE Inhibitors or ARBs. Furthermore, Vizidol reduces the renal clearance of both Lithium and Methotrexate, which can lead to elevated plasma concentrations and potential toxicity of those co-administered drugs. Regulatory labeling notes that using Vizidol with Alcohol is associated with an additive risk of GI bleeding. Elderly patients are also documented as having slower Vizidol clearance, increasing the sensitivity to interaction-related adverse effects.

Mechanism of Action

Core Mechanism: Targeting the Cyclooxygenase Enzyme System

Vizidol (Ketorolac) operates as a non-selective inhibitor that competitively binds to the active site of both the Cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes. This molecular interaction prevents the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostanoids.


Suppression of Signaling Mediators

The enzyme blockade leads to a rapid suppression of prostaglandin synthesis, particularly the mediator Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), both at the site of molecular activity and within the central nervous system. This reduction in PGE2 modulates the physiological response by lowering the sensitization threshold of nociceptors (peripheral pain receptors) and attenuating central sensitization pathways.


Imposed Constraints on Homeostatic Pathways

The non-selective mechanism mandates the inhibition of the constitutive COX-1 enzyme, which participates in physiological regulation. This involves the modulation of prostaglandin-dependent mechanisms that regulate renal blood flow (perfusion) and the inhibition of Thromboxane A2 (TXA2) formation, a molecular step involved in platelet aggregation and primary hemostasis.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Vizidol (Ketorolac)

Vizidol is used according to strict, short-term regimens. The general principle of usage is that it is a time-limited systemic intervention for pain management, typically initiated via injection before transitioning to oral use.


Official Administration Routes and Duration

Route of Administration Contextual Usage Principle
Intravenous (IV) / Intramuscular (IM) Used to initiate systemic treatment; administered at precise intervals, such as every 6 hours, under professional supervision.
Oral (PO) Tablets Indicated only as continuation therapy following IV or IM dosing; not used to start treatment.
Specialized Forms Available as Nasal Spray and Ophthalmic Solution for specific applications.

Core Dosing and Time Constraints

Systemic use is governed by strict, non-negotiable time limits. The total combined duration of Vizidol use from all systemic routes (IV, IM, and Oral) must not exceed 5 days in adults.

Standard dosing is subject to defined maximums. For adults under 65 years and over 50 kg, the parenteral daily dose is capped at 120 mg, while the oral continuation dose is limited to a maximum of 40 mg per day. Oral doses are typically taken every 4 to 6 hours.

Population-Specific Use

A principle of dose reduction applies to specific patient groups. The maximum total daily dose (IV/IM) is reduced for older adults (aged 65 years and older), patients with reduced body weight (under 50 kg), and individuals with impaired kidney function. For these populations, the maximum parenteral total daily dose is typically 60 mg.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies for Vizidol


Evidence for Managing Acute Post-Operative Pain

Clinical evaluation for the use of Vizidol (Ketorolac) has involved numerous Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews, focusing on adults managing pain immediately following surgical procedures. These trials compared the medicine against an inactive treatment (placebo) and other active control treatments. Researchers were mostly interested in outcomes related to physical discomfort, specifically measuring changes in pain intensity scores during the short observation periods. A key focus of these trials was also to monitor and record the usage patterns of rescue pain medication, especially opioids, by participants.

Trials reported observed patterns where the recorded usage of additional opioid medication was measured in cohorts receiving the medicine and compared to cohorts receiving placebo. Research also included observations related to the recorded duration of hospital stay, with findings showing variability across different study designs.

Evidence for Acute Renal Colic Pain

Vizidol was studied for acute renal colic pain, which is often intense, episodic discomfort related to urinary tract obstruction. The evidence here is derived mainly from RCTs, often conducted in emergency care settings. These studies focused on adults experiencing an acute flare of symptoms. Researchers were primarily exploring short-term symptom changes, specifically measuring how pain intensity scores changed in the first hour after a single administration of the medicine.

Findings described patterns of acute symptom response across different administration routes (e.g., intravenous or intramuscular), with similar patterns observed in some major trials. The evidence is heavily focused on the effects of a single dose during the immediate acute event and does not characterize outcomes related to subsequent pain management or long-term resolution of the underlying condition.

Key Uncertainties and Research Gaps

Despite the significant number of short-term trials available, the primary research limitation is the strict duration limit on all studies. Most major efficacy studies adhere to the regulatory constraint limiting treatment duration to up to 5 days, which means that follow-up durations were similarly limited. This means that long-term effects are not fully established, and long-term outcomes are not well characterized, creating a gap in understanding the medicine’s role beyond acute treatment. Furthermore, evidence exploring chronic pain management is lacking entirely, as the medicine was evaluated only in research contexts involving short-term or episodic symptom patterns.

Key Studies & References

  1. Ketorolac Tromethamine injection, solution - DailyMed - NIH (Indications for use)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Vizidol (FAQ)


Q: Is Vizidol used for conditions other than the main one described in the information leaflet?

Regulatory documents state that while Vizidol is primarily used for systemic acute pain management, the medicine is also available in specialized forms. These forms include an ophthalmic solution (eye drops) and a nasal spray, which are approved for specific uses outside of treating systemic pain.


Q: How common are side effects such as fatigue and dizziness when taking Vizidol?

Dizziness and drowsiness are commonly reported side effects, occurring in 1% to 10% of patients in clinical trials. Official information also lists fatigue as an occasionally reported adverse experience.


Q: What are the signs of a possible rare but serious side effect of Vizidol?

Signs of serious adverse events that have been documented in official warnings may include unusual symptoms like stomach pain, black or bloody stools, vomiting what looks like coffee grounds, swelling in the limbs, or chest pain. Regulatory documents describe these signs as requiring prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional.


Q: Is swelling (edema) in the hands or feet a commonly reported concern with Vizidol?

Yes, edema, which is the official term for swelling, is a commonly reported adverse reaction. This reaction has been documented to occur in approximately 1% to 10% of patients during clinical trials.


Q: Does Vizidol cause changes in bowel habits like constipation or diarrhea?

Official information lists both constipation and diarrhea as common gastrointestinal adverse experiences. These effects have been documented in 1% to 10% of patients in regulatory trial reports.


Q: Does using Vizidol require any regular blood tests or check-ups?

Close monitoring, as determined by a healthcare provider, is recommended for certain groups of patients, particularly those with a history of liver disease. This monitoring may include blood tests to check liver function, particularly for individuals who develop signs of liver dysfunction while using the medicine.


Q: Does Vizidol treat the underlying cause of a condition or only the symptoms?

Vizidol works by inhibiting the enzymes in the body that produce prostaglandins. Since prostaglandins are the chemical messengers responsible for causing pain and inflammation, this mechanism effectively relieves symptoms by blocking pain signals.


Q: Is there an official generic version of Vizidol available?

The active ingredient in Vizidol, known as Ketorolac Tromethamine, is officially available in generic versions. Vizidol is the brand name used for this particular drug.


Q: Do different formulations or strengths of Vizidol exist (e.g., tablet vs. capsule)?

The medicine is available in various forms, including several strengths for oral tablets and solution for injection. While specialized forms like the nasal spray and eye drops also exist, capsules are not listed among the forms provided in official regulatory documents.


Q: Is weight change, such as weight gain or weight loss, a reported side effect of Vizidol?

Official product information lists weight change (either gain or loss) as an occasionally reported adverse experience. This effect is not considered common but has been documented in rare instances.


Q: Is shortness of breath a typical or expected side effect of Vizidol?

Dyspnea, the official term for shortness of breath, is listed as an occasional adverse experience. This means the symptom is not common but has been reported in less than 1% of patients in regulatory trials.


Q: Are there any known sexual side effects associated with taking Vizidol?

Regulatory documents list one adverse reaction affecting the reproductive system: female infertility. This effect is reported occasionally.


Q: Can Vizidol cause sleep problems like insomnia or nightmares?

Official documentation notes that both abnormal dreams and confusion are listed as occasional adverse experiences. The medicine is also commonly associated with drowsiness.


Q: Can Vizidol affect a patient's vision or eyesight in the long term?

Adverse experiences reported occasionally in official documents include effects on the special senses, such as abnormal vision and blurred vision.


Q: Is it normal to experience a slightly slowed heartbeat while using this medication?

Palpitation, which is the awareness of heart rhythm changes, is listed in official documents as an occasional adverse experience.


Q: Can Vizidol cause or contribute to feelings of depression or mood changes?

Official information lists both depression and confusion as occasional adverse experiences that affect the nervous system.


Q: What are the food-related interactions of Vizidol, if any?

Official guidance notes that the oral tablet form may be taken with food (such as a meal or a snack) or an antacid, a measure that may help lessen stomach upset.


Q: Can Vizidol affect the way medications for diabetes work?

Regulatory warnings indicate that individuals with Diabetes Mellitus are advised to ensure their healthcare provider is aware of their condition. The medicine may affect their blood sugar and should be taken with this information in mind.


Q: Does using nicotine or smoking affect the action of Vizidol?

Official warnings identify smoking as a factor that increases the risk for serious gastrointestinal bleeding. This risk is elevated when patients treated with this medicine use nicotine or smoke.


Q: How quickly does Vizidol start to work after the first dose?

Pharmacokinetic data from official sources indicate that the pain-relieving effect begins within approximately 30 minutes. The maximum effect is usually observed in 1 to 2 hours after a dose is administered intravenously or intramuscularly.


Q: How long does the therapeutic effect of one dose of Vizidol last in the body?

According to the official pharmacodynamic information, the duration of the pain-relieving effect is typically 4 to 6 hours for a single dose administered intravenously or intramuscularly.


Q: What is the general procedure if a patient misses a single dose of Vizidol?

Official patient information often describes a general principle: if a dose is missed, it may be taken as soon as possible, unless it is close to the time for the next dose. Taking a double dose to make up for a missed dose is generally advised against.


Q: Does Vizidol need to be taken every day?

Vizidol is officially approved only for the short-term management of moderately severe acute pain. The total combined duration of use, including all administration routes, must not exceed 5 days.


Q: Is Vizidol considered to be habit-forming or addictive?

Official safety information classifies Vizidol (Ketorolac) as a Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID), not a narcotic. It is not considered to be habit-forming or addictive.


Q: Can I take Vizidol with or without food?

Official guidance notes that the oral tablets may be taken with food (such as a meal or a snack) or an antacid, a measure that may help minimize stomach upset.


Q: Does the time of day I take Vizidol matter for its effectiveness?

Oral doses are taken multiple times a day, typically four to six hours apart. This schedule indicates that the goal is to space the doses evenly throughout the 24-hour period rather than tying the medication to a specific time of day.


Q: How is Vizidol primarily removed or eliminated from the body?

Pharmacokinetic data indicates that Ketorolac and its metabolites are primarily removed from the body by the kidney. Approximately 90% of the dose is recovered in the urine.


Q: Can people with liver disease take Vizidol, or is it contraindicated?

Vizidol is officially contraindicated in patients with advanced liver disease, such as cirrhosis. It is stated that the medicine should be used with caution in individuals who have a history of impaired liver function.


Q: Are there any restrictions on driving or operating heavy machinery while taking Vizidol?

Official documents note that the medicine can cause side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness. Regulatory documents indicate that because of these effects, the ability to safely drive or operate heavy machinery may be impacted.

How should Vizidol be stored and disposed of?

Vizidol Storage and Disposal Requirements

Official regulatory guidelines mandate specific conditions to maintain the stability and safety of Vizidol (Ketorolac Tromethamine).


Storage Conditions

Condition Requirement
Temperature Store at Controlled Room Temperature, typically 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F). Do not freeze or store above 30 C.
Environment Keep the medicine in a tight, light-resistant container, protected from light and excess moisture.

Child Safety and Disposal

All Vizidol formulations must be stored out of the sight and reach of children. The container should use a child-resistant closure. Disposal of unused or expired medicine must strictly follow Federal, State, and Local regulations. Releases to the environment, such as flushing down a toilet or pouring down a drain, should be avoided.

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

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