Kine

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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 Kine

This section provides a clear, concise overview of Kine, a medicine containing the active ingredient Ketorolac tromethamine.

Property Description
Active ingredient Ketorolac tromethamine
Form Tablet, injectable solution, nasal spray, ophthalmic solution
Pharmacological class Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
Common use Acute pain and inflammation relief
Origin Synthetic organic compound

What Type of Medicine is Kine?

Kine is a prescription-only medicine containing the active ingredient Ketorolac tromethamine. It is categorized as a first-generation Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID), belonging to the pyrrolo-pyrrole chemical group. The core function of this chemical class is to provide powerful analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory effects.

Ketorolac's high analgesic potency sets it apart from many standard over-the-counter NSAIDs, leading to its clinical recognition as an effective opioid-sparing agent in specific clinical scenarios. This differentiation means the medicine may help manage intense acute pain, such as post-operative discomfort, that might otherwise require an opioid.


Composition, Origin, and Available Forms

The medicine is a single-ingredient product featuring the synthetic compound, Ketorolac tromethamine. This compound is unique within the NSAID group for the breadth of its pharmaceutical preparations. The available forms include traditional oral tablets and a sterile injectable solution for parenteral routes, allowing for rapid onset of relief. Furthermore, its forms include a specialized nasal spray for systemic absorption and an ophthalmic solution for targeted topical use, reflecting its distinct therapeutic versatility.


Kine's General Purpose

The overall purpose of Kine is to deliver powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic relief by quickly mitigating the body's pain response. It achieves this by functioning as a non-selective inhibitor of the Cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which halts the production of prostaglandins—the chemical messengers that initiate pain, swelling, and fever. This mechanism allows for the short-term management of acute pain sensations and inflammation, a differentiation from NSAIDs typically intended for chronic use.

Regulatory References

  1. Ketorolac Opioid-Sparing Effect (NIH/PubMed)

What side effects are possible with Kine?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The official safety profile for Kine (Ketorolac tromethamine), an NSAID, is defined by strict constraints due to the documented risk of serious adverse reactions.


Adverse Reaction Scope

  • Key Adverse Reaction Categories: The medicine carries a boxed warning (or equivalent) for the potential for serious gastrointestinal (GI) events (ulceration, bleeding, perforation) and cardiovascular (CV) thrombotic events (myocardial infarction, stroke). Other systems affected include the renal, nervous, and immune systems.
  • Frequency Classification:
    • Common (ge 1/100 to <1/10): Nausea, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and edema.
    • Uncommon/Rare: Severe reactions such as acute renal failure, anaphylaxis, and serious skin reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson Syndrome) are documented as less frequent occurrences.
  • System-Organ Classes Involved: Gastrointestinal, Vascular, Cardiac, Renal and Urinary, Nervous, and Hepatobiliary disorders are the primary physiological systems noted in regulatory labeling.

Safety Constraints and Special Populations

  • Serious Adverse Reactions: Gastrointestinal bleeding and cardiovascular thrombotic events are explicitly noted as serious, potentially fatal risks that can occur without prior warning symptoms.
  • Dose- or Exposure-Related Patterns: The risk of serious GI and CV events is explicitly linked to duration of use. Regulatory safety documents mandate that the total combined course of therapy must not exceed five days.
  • Population-Specific Safety Considerations: The medicine is contraindicated in patients with advanced renal impairment, active peptic ulcer disease, or a history of recent GI bleeding. Older adults are identified as having an increased risk for serious GI and renal adverse events. Use is also contraindicated during the third trimester of pregnancy.

Connection to the Overall Safety Profile

The regulatory safety structure for Ketorolac tromethamine is centered on mitigating the high, officially documented risk of serious gastrointestinal and cardiovascular complications. The maximum five-day duration of treatment is a critical limitation mandated by safety information to reduce the increasing risk associated with longer exposure. This rigorous framing, including explicit contraindications for high-risk populations, defines the safe and constrained clinical use of the medicine.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

The official regulatory documents define the overdose profile for Ketorolac tromethamine (Kine) based on documented clinical manifestations and strict emergency protocols.

Overdose symptoms following acute ingestion are typically noted as Lethargy, Drowsiness, Nausea, Vomiting, and Epigastric pain. Specific reports for Ketorolac overdosage have also included Abdominal pain and Hyperventilation. Serious, though rare, outcomes cited in regulatory labeling include severe manifestations affecting the Gastrointestinal system, such as Peptic ulcers, Erosive gastritis, and Gastrointestinal bleeding, along with risks to the Renal system, including Acute renal failure.

In the event of suspected overdosage, government guidance requires that individuals get medical help right away. This immediate action is mandatory and involves contacting 911 or a Poison Control center.

The authorized management approach is limited to symptomatic and supportive care. Regulatory prescribing information explicitly states that there are no specific antidotes known for an NSAID overdose. Procedural interventions, such as the administration of Activated charcoal or an Osmotic cathartic, may be indicated only when ingestion is recent (typically within four hours) and involves a substantial oral dose. Monitoring for symptom resolution, including clinical signs of renal dysfunction, is an expected component of supportive care.

Therapeutic Uses of Kine

Kine (Ketorolac tromethamine) is a medication used for the short-term management of acute, intense symptom patterns where both pain and inflammation are the primary concerns. Its use is focused on providing supportive symptom management when symptoms related to physical discomfort are severe enough to significantly interfere with daily functioning. The medication is generally relevant for easing moderately severe acute pain that requires analgesia for heightened symptoms.


Key Therapeutic Domains

Kine is applied across therapeutic domains where additional symptomatic support is needed for acute conditions, including postoperative discomfort, pain following acute musculoskeletal trauma, and specific pain presentations like renal or gallbladder colic. It helps address symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive and is used for managing symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states. The core benefit is symptomatic relief that supports the patient during difficult episodes by easing distress, and it may provide supportive pain control that assists with maintaining functional stability during the recovery phase.

“Kine is commonly used when short-term symptomatic assistance is needed in clinical settings involving acute or disruptive symptom patterns.”


Quick Fact

Quick Fact: Used for Managing Acute Pain

The medication is generally used for pain classified as moderate-to-severe, supporting patients when their pain symptoms lead to temporary functional strain or discomfort.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

This section outlines the official eligibility and non-eligibility requirements for Leukine (sargramostim), based strictly on government regulatory documentation. Note: 'Kine' is not an approved drug name; the eligibility profile is provided for the FDA-approved product, Leukine.

Official Eligibility Constraints

Category Regulatory Status (FDA Label)
Populations for whom use is allowed Adults ge 55 years old with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) following chemotherapy. Pediatric patients ge 2 years old undergoing bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Newborns to 17 years old acutely exposed to radiation (H-ARS).
Populations for whom use is contraindicated Patients with a known hypersensitivity or serious allergic reaction (including anaphylaxis) to sargramostim, yeast-derived products, or any component of the medication. Timing restriction: Use is contraindicated 24 hours before and after administration of myelosuppressive chemotherapy or radiation (for certain indications).

Key Eligibility Rules

Age-Related Eligibility: Eligibility is defined by specific age floors: ge 55 years for AML use, and ge 2 years for general pediatric BMT use. Use in infants (newborn to 17 years) is restricted to the specific context of H-ARS only.

Physiological Status Restrictions: The multi-dose formulation contains benzyl alcohol, which renders it contraindicated for use during pregnancy and lactation. For AML patients, the medicine is not recommended if more than 5% residual blasts are present post-induction, due to the risk of disease progression.

Summary of Eligibility Profile

Official documents define who can and cannot use this medicine primarily through absolute contraindications concerning patient allergies to the drug or yeast-derived components. Further constraints are applied through age-specific thresholds tied to the therapeutic indication and condition-specific warnings related to residual disease or the use of specific formulations during pregnancy.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Kine's official regulatory documentation establishes specific restrictions and contraindications concerning co-administration with other substances.

Formal Contraindicated Combinations

Co-administration is formally prohibited with the following due to increased risk of serious adverse effects:

Substance Rationale (Official Documentation)
Aspirin or other NSAIDs Cumulative risk of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and ulceration.
Probenecid Reduced Kine clearance leading to significantly increased plasma levels.
Lithium Salts Reduced lithium clearance, resulting in elevated plasma lithium levels and toxicity risk.
Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin) Additive anti-platelet effect, leading to a significantly increased risk of serious bleeding.
Oxpentifylline Increased risk of bleeding, particularly GI hemorrhage.

Documented Pharmacodynamic and Pharmacokinetic Effects

The interaction profile identifies several clinically significant effects. Co-administration with SSRIs or Anti-platelet agents carries a documented additive risk of serious GI bleeding. The drug may also diminish the efficacy of Diuretics and certain Antihypertensives (ACE inhibitors, ARBs) by inhibiting renal prostaglandin synthesis, which is noted to increase the risk of renal deterioration in vulnerable patients. Furthermore, Kine injectable solution must not be mixed in a small volume with specific parenteral opioids, such as Morphine sulfate, due to documented chemical incompatibility and precipitation.

Mechanism of Action

Targeted Inhibition of the Cyclooxygenase Enzyme System

Kine's mechanism involves the non-selective competitive inhibition of both the constitutive Cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and the inducible Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes. This action arrests an initial step in the Arachidonic Acid Cascade, blocking the conversion of the substrate and the subsequent production of eicosanoid mediators, principally the prostaglandins.


Modulation of Nociceptive and Thermoregulatory Pathways

The consequence of reduced prostaglandin synthesis is a dual effect on physiological signaling. Peripherally, it results in diminished sensitization of nociceptors at the site of tissue injury, while centrally, it modulates pain amplification signals in the CNS. The mechanism further engages the hypothalamic thermoregulatory system, resetting the elevated temperature set point. These combined actions lead to the physiological consequences of anti-nociception (modulation of pain signaling) and antipyresis (modulation of the hypothalamic set point).


️ Influence on Inflammatory and Clotting Pathways

By suppressing pro-inflammatory prostaglandins, the mechanism results in decreased local vasodilation and plasma extravasation, which is consistent with the modulation of the acute inflammatory response. Since the inhibition of COX-1 in platelets is reversible, the temporary suppression of platelet aggregation is limited to the plasma half-life of the drug, which defines the mechanistic pattern of its action on the coagulation process.

Dosage and Administration Information

Kine (Ketorolac tromethamine) involves specific protocols to ensure proper short-term systemic use. The medicine is used via several routes of administration, including intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) injection, oral tablets, and intranasal spray. The use of the oral tablet form is restricted to function only as continuation therapy following an initial course of injectable administration, and it is not indicated as initial treatment.

All systemic use, combining the total duration of IV, IM, oral, and intranasal routes, is subject to a mandatory time limitation and must not exceed five days in total. Parenteral dosing for non-elderly adults typically involves 30 mg administered every 6 hours, though the total daily maximum dose may vary by region.

Administration technique is also specified: an IV dose must be given as a bolus injection over a minimum of 15 seconds. For specific populations, including older adults (aged 65 years and over) and patients with low body weight or renal impairment, a mandatory dose reduction is required, often limiting the maximum total daily dose to 60 mg for the injectable form. Furthermore, the safety and effectiveness of systemic administration in pediatric patients have not been established.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Recent Clinical Evidence

Initial Investigations

Early-phase studies (preclinical and Phase 1) primarily focused on how the compound behaved in initial studies. These studies evaluated whether the intervention impacted quality of life and physical function in participants with chronic inflammatory conditions. Initial findings from this stage:

  • One key study noted a change in key inflammatory markers (like C-reactive protein).
  • Additional research has investigated whether the compound was associated with changes in laboratory measures.

Clinical Trials and Reported Findings

Later-stage clinical trials (Phase 2 and 3) focused on whether the compound was associated with changes in patient-reported outcomes over a typical treatment period (e.g., 12 to 24 weeks).

Symptom Management

Research has investigated whether the drug is associated with reductions in pain and fatigue. Findings were inconsistent across different study populations and chronic conditions. Specific observations reported include:

  • One trial reported initial changes in outcomes within the first week of treatment.
  • In one large Phase 3 trial, trial participants reported fewer flares and improved sleep.

Combination Therapy

Studies assessed whether adding this therapy to an existing treatment was associated with a different response. Research has explored this approach for managing hard-to-treat symptoms. In trials where the intervention was added to existing therapy, researchers assessed whether participants experienced a change in primary symptom severity.


Tolerability and Study Design

Studies also documented the tolerability and required dose levels for various conditions.

  • The tolerability of the intervention was documented in most study populations. The most commonly reported events included changes such as mild gastrointestinal upset.
  • In trials involving participants with mild symptoms, the starting dosage was often low. Trial exclusion criteria often included participants with existing kidney issues.

Key Studies & References

  1. Kine in Combination Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Patient Outcomes
  2. Dose-Ranging Study and Pharmacokinetics of Kine in Patients with Autoimmune Disorders (Phase 2)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Kine (FAQ)

Q: Does Kine have the potential to cause weight gain?

A: Official safety documents indicate that potential adverse reactions of Kine include fluid retention, known as edema, and unusual weight gain. If these effects occur, they are noted in the adverse event reports. Patients experiencing persistent or significant effects should consult a healthcare professional.


Q: Is it safe to use Kine while drinking a small amount of alcohol?

A: Regulatory documents warn against the concomitant use of Kine with alcohol. This combination is associated with a significantly increased risk of serious gastrointestinal bleeding and irritation. Official warnings are based on the documented risks of taking these substances together.


Q: How quickly should I expect to feel the effects of Kine?

A: According to the official product information, the pain-relieving effects typically begin within approximately 30 minutes. The medicine reaches its maximum effect, or peak pain relief, within 1 to 2 hours. This time frame is noted in the pharmacokinetic description of the medicine's systemic administration.


Q: Does Kine require any special monitoring or blood tests?

A: Official regulatory text indicates that due to potential risks, such as issues with kidney function and bleeding, some patients may require monitoring. This monitoring can involve routine complete blood counts (CBC) or physical examinations. The need for monitoring is determined by the prescribing healthcare professional.


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

A: Regulatory documents include warnings that Kine can cause common side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and somnolence (sleepiness). These effects may impair your ability to think clearly or react quickly. Official information advises caution regarding driving or operating machinery until the medicine's effects are known.


Q: What is the risk of dependence or addiction with Kine?

A: Official drug information specifies that Kine is a Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID) and is not an opioid. Therefore, it is not associated with a risk of dependence, addiction, or developing tolerance.


Q: Are the initial side effects of Kine temporary?

A: The adverse effects associated with the intended short-term use of Kine are typically mild. Official information indicates that the majority of these effects are noted to resolve after the total course of treatment is completed. Serious adverse events, though less common, require immediate clinical attention.


Q: What should I do if I experience a severe allergic reaction to Kine?

A: If a serious adverse event, such as a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), is suspected, official safety labeling advises immediate action. It states that patients should stop using the medicine immediately. Emergency medical attention is advised immediately.


Q: Is Kine known to interact with commonly used herbal supplements?

A: Regulatory documents emphasize the importance of communicating all concomitant substances to a healthcare provider. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements. This precaution is advised due to the potential for unidentified drug interactions that could affect Kine's safety profile.


Q: Does taking Kine with food change how it works?

A: According to the pharmacokinetics section of the official label, taking the oral tablet with food does affect the medicine’s absorption. It is noted to delay the rate at which Kine enters the bloodstream. However, food does not change the total amount of the medicine that is ultimately absorbed.


Q: Is there a generic version of Kine available?

A: Official drug databases confirm that the active ingredient in Kine, Ketorolac tromethamine, is widely available. Regulatory approvals have been granted for multiple generic formulations from various manufacturers. The availability of generic options often depends on location and pharmacy stock.


Q: Do studies suggest Kine is effective for every person who takes it?

A: Evidence from clinical trial summaries indicates that findings on the medicine’s effectiveness in reducing pain and fatigue were inconsistent. This variability was observed across different patient populations studied. The results suggest that the therapeutic response to Kine may vary from person to person.


Q: Can Kine be stopped suddenly, or does it require gradual discontinuation?

A: Regulatory labeling indicates that because Kine is a non-opioid medicine intended only for short-term use, gradual discontinuation is not required. It can be stopped suddenly after the course of therapy is completed as prescribed.


Q: What kind of research has been done on the long-term effects of Kine?

A: Official safety documents strictly mandate a total combined duration of use that must not exceed five days. This critical limitation is in place because the risk of serious adverse events is known to increase with prolonged exposure. Consequently, research and regulatory oversight focus on outcomes related to short-term therapy.


Q: Can Kine be crushed or split if a person has trouble swallowing pills?

A: The official labeling for Kine tablets does not contain instructions for crushing or splitting them. Generally, oral tablets are designed to be swallowed whole to ensure the medicine is delivered correctly and safely. Guidance on modifying the tablet form can be found in the official prescribing information.


Q: Is it true that Kine can cause unusual dreams?

A: Abnormal dreams are noted in the postmarketing adverse event reports associated with the medicine. This effect is listed under the nervous system and psychiatric disorder categories in official safety information.


Q: Does Kine affect sleep patterns?

A: Official adverse event reporting has included both insomnia (difficulty sleeping) and abnormal dreams as documented effects. Conversely, some clinical trial data previously noted participants reporting improved sleep. The official product information indicates the potential for sleep patterns to be affected.


Q: Is Kine effective immediately or does it take time to build up in the system?

A: Kine is not effective immediately upon administration. The analgesic (pain-relieving) effect typically begins about 30 minutes after dosing. It then takes approximately 1 to 2 hours to reach its maximum therapeutic effect.


Q: Do food restrictions apply when using Kine?

A: While there are no specific food groups that are strictly prohibited, official warnings advise against certain lifestyle factors. Regulatory documents state that the use of alcohol and tobacco products should be avoided during therapy due to the heightened risk of serious gastrointestinal bleeding.


Q: Is Kine known to cause dry mouth or dry eyes?

A: Dry mouth is generally not documented as a common systemic adverse event. However, official safety information for the specialized ophthalmic formulation does list dry eye syndrome as a known side effect. This variation depends on the specific form of the medicine used.


Q: What happens if I accidentally take two doses of Kine close together?

A: The overdosage section of the official label states that symptoms of acute NSAID overdose are usually limited. These symptoms typically include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, and drowsiness. The regulatory document indicates that these effects are generally reversible with symptomatic and supportive care.


Q: Can Kine be taken with vitamin supplements?

A: Official product information advises that patients inform their healthcare provider about all concomitant medications and supplements. This includes vitamins, minerals, and any other non-prescription products. This is a standard precaution advised in the official prescribing information.


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

A: According to the official product information, the pain-relieving effects typically persist for 4 to 6 hours. This duration applies to a single dose of the oral or injectable forms. The appropriate dosing schedule is determined by a healthcare professional.


Q: Are there specific lifestyle changes that are recommended while taking Kine?

A: Regulatory warnings identify the use of alcohol and tobacco as high-risk factors while taking Kine. Official documents advise against their concomitant use due to a significantly heightened risk of serious gastrointestinal bleeding and irritation.


Q: Can Kine cause temporary changes in mood or personality?

A: Adverse event reports note that Kine is associated with the potential for mood changes, anxiety, and abnormal thinking. Depression is also listed in the psychiatric disorders section of the official safety information. These effects are reported as less common.


Q: Is Kine a controlled substance?

A: Kine is officially classified as a non-opioid Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID). According to regulatory authorities, it is not listed as a scheduled controlled substance. This classification indicates that it does not carry the same prescribing restrictions as controlled medicines.


Q: How common is it to need a dose adjustment while on Kine?

A: Mandatory dose reduction is a requirement specified in the official dosing protocols for certain groups. This includes older adults (65 years and over), patients with low body weight, and those with moderately impaired kidney function. This adjustment is required to align with regulatory safety protocols for these populations.


Q: What is the success rate of Kine in clinical trials?

A: Clinical trial summaries indicate that the results regarding symptom management were found to be inconsistent across different patient populations. Official evidence does not report a single, universal success rate for Kine. Official evidence indicates that individual responses to the medicine may vary.


Q: Is Kine suitable for people who have a history of heart issues?

A: The medication carries a Boxed Warning in official labeling due to the risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, which can include heart attack and stroke. The official label also specifically contraindicates its use in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. These warnings must be considered by a prescribing professional.

How should Kine be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Kine?

Regulatory documents establish specific storage constraints for Kine (ketorolac tromethamine) to maintain product integrity, which vary by formulation.

Storage Requirements by Formulation

Formulation Temperature and Environment Requirements
Oral Tablets Store at controlled room temperature: 15 C to 30 C.
Injection/Ophthalmic Store at 20 C to 25 C.

All forms must be kept from freezing and protected from light, requiring storage in their original cartons or light-resistant containers. The injectable solution must be used immediately after opening.

Child Safety: All medications, including Kine, must be kept out of the reach of children.

Disposal: Unused or expired Kine should be disposed of using a drug take-back program or by following the specific household trash procedure outlined by regulatory bodies, and any unused contents of the injection must be discarded.

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

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