Which drug is most appropriate for rapid, short-term relief of acute pain when IV administration is desired?

Which drug is most appropriate for rapid, short-term relief of acute pain when IV administration is desired?

• A. Toradol (ketorolac)
• B. Ibuprofen
• C. Acetaminophen
• D. Naproxen

Answer: (A)

Rapid, short-term IV analgesia for acute pain calls for a potent drug that acts quickly. Ketorolac fits this need because it’s a potent NSAID that produces fast pain relief when given by IV and is intended for short-term use. Its onset is quick—often within minutes—and the effect lasts only a few hours, which makes it ideal for brief hospital-based pain control, such as postoperative pain. Ibuprofen and naproxen are also NSAIDs, but they’re typically used orally, and their IV forms are less commonly relied upon for rapid, short-term relief compared with ketorolac. Acetaminophen, while useful and available intravenously, provides analgesia without anti-inflammatory action and isn’t as potent in acute, severe pain when IV administration is required.

Rapid, short-term IV analgesia for acute pain calls for a potent drug that acts quickly. Ketorolac fits this need because it’s a potent NSAID that produces fast pain relief when given by IV and is intended for short-term use. Its onset is quick—often within minutes—and the effect lasts only a few hours, which makes it ideal for brief hospital-based pain control, such as postoperative pain.

Ibuprofen and naproxen are also NSAIDs, but they’re typically used orally, and their IV forms are less commonly relied upon for rapid, short-term relief compared with ketorolac. Acetaminophen, while useful and available intravenously, provides analgesia without anti-inflammatory action and isn’t as potent in acute, severe pain when IV administration is required.