What type of medication is Ketorolac?

Ketorolac is classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This category of medications is primarily used to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and lower fevers. Ketorolac specifically is known for its effectiveness in treating moderate to severe pain, often used in post-operative settings or for acute pain conditions.

As a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, Ketorolac works by inhibiting certain enzymes in the body (cyclooxygenases, COX-1, and COX-2) that contribute to the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals involved in the inflammatory response. This mechanism is why NSAIDs like Ketorolac can effectively relieve pain and reduce swelling.

The other options represent distinct classes of medications that serve very different purposes. For example, corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory drugs, but they work through a different mechanism focused on the immune response instead of pain relief. Bronchodilators are used primarily for respiratory conditions like asthma, functioning to relax the muscles around the airways. Opioids are a separate class of medications that provide pain relief but through a different mechanism involving opioid receptors in the central nervous system. Therefore, understanding Ketorolac’s classification as an NSAID helps highlight its roles and