Is ketorolac safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding Ketorolac and Breastfeeding Safety
Ketorolac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is often prescribed for pain relief, particularly after surgical procedures. However, its safety during breastfeeding has raised significant concerns among healthcare professionals and nursing mothers alike.
Manufacturer’s Recommendations
The manufacturer of ketorolac explicitly advises against its use while breastfeeding. This caution stems from the drug’s strong antiplatelet activity, which can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Due to these potential risks, healthcare providers typically recommend alternative medications for pain management, especially after the first 24 to 72 hours postpartum when milk production increases.
Milk Levels and Infant Safety
Research indicates that the levels of ketorolac in breast milk are generally low. For instance, studies show that after a typical oral dosage, the maximum concentration of ketorolac in breast milk is around 7.9 ng/mL, which is considered minimal. Some hospital protocols allow for its short-term use, particularly after cesarean sections, without evidence of harm to breastfed infants. However, the lack of extensive data on higher injectable doses raises further questions about safety during breastfeeding.
Expert Opinions
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has classified ketorolac as usually compatible with breastfeeding, although it falls into a lower risk category compared to other NSAIDs like ibuprofen. This classification suggests that while ketorolac may be used in certain situations, it should be approached with caution, and mothers should consult their healthcare providers to weigh the benefits against potential risks.
Conclusion
In summary, while ketorolac may be used in limited circumstances during breastfeeding, its use is generally discouraged due to the potential risks associated with its antiplatelet effects and gastrointestinal complications. Mothers are advised to discuss alternative pain management options with their healthcare providers to ensure both their safety and that of their breastfeeding infants.

How long does ketorolac stay in breastmilk?

In the other 6 patients, ketorolac was detectable 2 hours after the first dose of the day in concentrations from 5.2 to 7.3 mcg/L on day 1 and from 5.9 to 7.9 mcg/L on day 2. Ketorolac was not detectable in milk in any patient at 10 hours after the last dose.

Can I take Ketorol tablet while breastfeeding?

Is Ketorol DT safe in breastfeeding? Be careful when taking this medicine during breastfeeding. If you experience any pain, stop breastfeeding until after you complete the medicine course and all drug traces are eliminated from your body.

Who cannot take ketorolac?

The risk of serious allergic reactions to ketorolac is higher in people who have aspirin-sensitive asthma. Heart Surgery. Do not take ketorolac right before or after a heart surgery called coronary artery bypass graft. Taking ketorolac during this time can increase your risk for a heart attack or stroke.

What is ketorolac used for in postpartum?

Injectable and oral forms of ketorolac are used to treat moderate pain in the immediate postpartum period. The product labeling states that this agent should be used with caution when administered to a nursing individual, particularly when nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

What medication is not safe for breastfeeding?

Common medicines that are not recommended when you’re breastfeeding include:

• codeine phosphate.
• decongestants that come as tablets, liquids or powders that you swallow.
• some nasal decongestants that come as nose sprays or drops – check with a GP or pharmacist before using them.
• aspirin for pain relief.

Can ketorolac be taken during pregnancy?

Based on animal studies, ketorolac is a Pregnancy Category C medicine. However, since nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can potentially cause a fetal cardiovascular adverse reaction (closure of ductus arteriosus), using ketorolac during pregnancy (particularly the third trimester) should be avoided.

Is ketorolac safe in breastfeeding?

Ketorolac injection is used for a short time (typically 24 hours) after cesarean section in some hospital protocols with no evidence of harm to breastfed infants.

Which painkiller is safe while breastfeeding?

Paracetamol is the first choice pain medication during breastfeeding. While it appears in breast milk, the amount is too small to cause harm to your baby. Sometimes paracetamol alone may not control your pain. In this case a non- steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID), for example ibuprofen, can also be taken.

What is the best opioid for breastfeeding?

Recommendation. Morphine is considered to be the strong opioid of choice for the treatment of severe pain in breastfeeding. However, the use of any opioid should be at the lowest effective dose and only short-term. A non-opioid analgesic should be used whenever possible.

Can a lactating mother take ketorolac?

Summary of Use during Lactation
Ketorolac injection is used for a short time (typically 24 hours) after cesarean section in some hospital protocols with no evidence of harm to breastfed infants. However, the ketorolac dose an infant receives in colostrum is very low because of the small volume of colostrum produced.