Ketorolac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that veterinarians use to manage pain and inflammation in cats. It works similarly to other NSAIDs by reducing inflammation and blocking pain signals in your cat’s body. It is commonly used in eye drops in cats.

Name

• Ketorolac/Ketorolac tromethamine.

Brand name

• Acular (Europe & UK) – 0.5% ketorolac tromethamine eye drops.
• Acuvail – 0.45% ketorolac tromethamine preservative-free eye drops.
• Generic eye drop formulations also exist.

Class of drug

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Storage

• Store below 25°C/77°F.
• Keep out of direct sunlight.
• Shelf life depends on brand of product, check the data sheet. Usually 28-90 days shelf life.

Your veterinarian might recommend ketorolac when your cat needs an anti-inflammatory or pain relief. It’s mostly used in eye drops called Acular. Acular is a human medication and is used off license in pets. Your vet can explain “off-license use” to you. It can help with inflammation of the eye including conjunctivitis and uveitis. It is often used long-term in cats with cataracts, to prevent or treat uveitis caused by the cataracts. It is also often used in cats after eye surgery, like cataract surgery.

Eye drops should be applied to your pets’ eyes as recommended by your veterinarian. If your cat is prescribed more than one type of eye drop, your veterinarian will be able to advise which order the medication should be given in. You should wait at least 5 minutes between eye drops.

While ketorolac is effective for treating inflammation, you need to watch for potential side effects. If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian, they may prescribe an alternative drug or dose. For ketorolac eye drops, the most common side effects affect the eye and include:

• Transient eye irritation after application (usually mild and resolves within 2-5 minutes).
• Allergic reaction – swelling, redness, skin irritation.
• Delayed wound healing.
• Increased pressure inside the eye.

• Vomiting and diarrhea.
• Dark stool.
• Inappetence.
• Drinking or urinating more.

• Is taking steroids.
• Is taking another NSAID medication such as meloxicam.
• Has had a GI ulcer or kidney disease.
• Has liver disease.
• Has a bleeding disorder.
• Has a known allergy to ketorolac, any other topical NSAIDs, or systemic NSAIDs.
• Is receiving doses of ketorolac eye drops more often, such as if both eyes are being treated or are receiving eye drops more often.

Your veterinarian will determine the appropriate dose based on your cat’s specific condition. It’s crucial to follow their instructions exactly and never adjust the dose without consulting your veterinarian first. The eye drops are usually applied 1-4 times a day.

Keep all medications, including ketorolac, in a secure place away from both pets and children. Always maintain a record of when you give the medication to prevent other members of the household giving the medication again. Close all medication containers after use and store as recommended. Do not use your mouth to open a medication container, if you are unable to open the product, please return it to your veterinarian for assistance or a new product.

Dispose of any unused ketorolac safely by returning it your veterinary clinic or a local pharmacy. Medicines should not be disposed of in your household bin, as they can contaminate landfill.

If your pet misses a dose of the eye drop, apply it as soon as possible and return to your regular dosing schedule.

If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian before administering ketorolac. If they have any of the listed side effects, do not administer the medication and speak to your veterinarian. If you suspect your pet is having an allergic reaction or skin reaction to the ketorolac, you can wipe around their eye with a wet piece of cotton wool. You should contact your veterinarian. They may also provide some additional medication to stop the reaction.

Never share medications between pets or use medication prescribed for a different condition. If a pet is given the incorrect medication, please contact your veterinarian or local pet poison line. Do not try to make your pet sick at home. If you or another person in your household has used your pet’s medication, contact your doctor, local health professional or accident and emergency department. Take the medicine you have taken with you so that the treating physician can advise you.