Is ketorolac safe while breastfeeding?

In the pharmaceutical industry, Ketorolac Tromethamine is a highly potent Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID). As a pharmacist and manufacturer, I classify this as a “Short-Term Rescue” analgesic.

According to the WHO and the American Academy of Pediatrics, Ketorolac is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding.

At your WHO-GMP facility in Mumbai, you likely manufacture this in 10 mg tablets and 30 mg/mL injections.

Safety Profile for Lactation

  • Low Milk Transfer: Ketorolac is excreted into breast milk in very small amounts.

  • Relative Infant Dose (RID): The amount an infant receives via milk is estimated to be less than 0.2% to 0.4% of the weight-adjusted maternal dose, which is far below the 10% safety threshold.

  • Short Half-Life: Because the drug is cleared relatively quickly (half-life of ~5 hours), it does not tend to accumulate in the mother or the infant.

Mechanism: Potent COX Inhibition

Ketorolac provides “opioid-level” pain relief without the sedative side effects.

Enzyme Targeting: It is a non-selective inhibitor of COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes.

Prostaglandin Blockade: By stopping the synthesis of prostaglandins at the site of injury, it shuts down the pain and inflammatory response.

B2B USP: In your digital marketing, you can highlight that Ketorolac is particularly effective for post-operative pain (such as after a C-section), allowing mothers to remain alert while managing severe pain.

The Pharmacist’s “Technical Warning”

As you build your firm’s authority online, these warnings are critical for clinical safety:

  • The 5-Day Rule: Ketorolac is strictly for short-term use (up to 5 days). Prolonged use significantly increases the risk of gastric ulcers and renal failure.

  • Infant Monitoring: While safe, the infant should be monitored for rare side effects like GI upset or unusual bruising.

  • Contraindication: It should be avoided if the mother or infant has a history of NSAID-induced asthma or significant renal impairment.

The Manufacturer’s Perspective: Technical & Export

From a production standpoint at your Mumbai facility:

  • The “Injection to Tablet” Bridge: Highlight your ability to supply both IV/IM Vials and Oral Tablets. This “bridge therapy” is the standard of care in international hospitals for post-surgical recovery.

  • Stability & Packaging: Ketorolac is light-sensitive. We utilize Amber-colored glass for injections and Alu-Alu blister packaging for tablets to ensure a 36-month shelf life in Zone IVb tropical regions.

  • Dossier Support: We provide full CTD/eCTD Dossiers to support your firm’s registration in international hospital tenders.