How to Choose an IV Therapy Clinic: 12 Questions to Ask
A practical checklist for vetting an IV therapy clinic or mobile service — credentials, screening, sourcing, emergency readiness, and red flags.
Read guideMedications
Prescription onlyKetorolac (Toradol)
Also known as: Toradol, IV NSAID, IV anti-inflammatory
A potent prescription NSAID pain reliever. Effective for headaches and aches — but not for routine or frequent use.
Medically reviewed by Akash Bhagat, DO, FACEP
What the evidence supports
| Use | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Short-term moderate-to-severe pain, including headache/migraine | Established |
Common side effects
- Stomach upset
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Dizziness
Who should be cautious or avoid this
- Kidney disease or dehydration — risk of kidney injury
- Stomach ulcers or GI bleeding history
- Bleeding disorders or blood thinners
- Already taking other NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen)
- Heart disease or recent heart surgery
- Late pregnancy
- Heavy recent alcohol use
What it is
Ketorolac is a strong nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) — in the same family as ibuprofen, but more potent. It’s prescription-only.
Why it’s used in IV therapy
Added for headaches, hangovers, migraines, and body aches.
What the evidence says
It works well for short-term pain. Its labeling carries serious warnings, and total treatment is limited to a few days because of risks to the kidneys, stomach, and heart.
Side effects and cautions
The combination of dehydration, alcohol, and an NSAID is hard on the kidneys and stomach — exactly the situation in many hangover visits. A careful clinician asks about alcohol, other pain relievers you’ve taken, kidney health, and bleeding risk before adding ketorolac. It shouldn’t be part of a regular, recurring drip.