Pronunciation: KEE-toe-ROLE-ak
Generic Name: Ketorolac
Brand Name: Sprix
Sprix Spray is only intended for short-term (up to 5 days) treatment of moderate to moderately severe pain. It should not be used to treat minor or long-term pain. Do not use more of Sprix Spray than prescribed. Do not use Sprix Spray to treat children.
Sprix Spray is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It may cause an increased risk of serious, and sometimes fatal, heart and blood vessel problems (eg, a heart attack, a stroke). The risk may be greater if you already have heart problems or if you take Sprix Spray for a long time. Do not use Sprix Spray right before or after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
Sprix Spray may cause an increased risk of serious and sometimes fatal stomach ulcers and bleeding. Elderly patients may be at greater risk. This may occur without warning signs.
Do not use Sprix Spray if:
- you are allergic to Sprix Spray, aspirin, or any other NSAIDs (eg, ibuprofen, celecoxib)
- you are taking another NSAID (eg, ibuprofen, celecoxib)
- you are in the last 3 months of pregnancy, are breast-feeding, or are in labor
- you have recently had or will be having CABG surgery
- you have a stomach ulcer or a history of ulcers or certain severe stomach or bowel problems (eg, bleeding, perforation)
- you have severe kidney problems or are at risk of kidney failure (eg, low blood volume, dehydrated)
- you have bleeding in the brain (eg, a stroke, an aneurysm) or bleeding problems (eg, platelet disorder, hemophilia), or you are at risk of bleeding
Do not use Sprix Spray to prevent pain before any major surgery.
Sprix Spray is used for:
The short-term (up to 5 days) treatment of moderate to moderately severe pain.
Sprix Spray is an NSAID. Exactly how it works is not known. It may block certain substances in the body that are linked to inflammation. NSAIDs treat the symptoms of pain and inflammation. They do not treat the disease that causes these symptoms.
Do NOT use Sprix Spray if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Sprix Spray
- you have had an asthma attack, hives, or another severe allergic reaction (eg, severe rash, breathing difficulties, dizziness) to aspirin, or to an NSAID (eg, ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib)
- you have had a severe allergic reaction to ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA)
- you are in the last 3 months of pregnancy, are breast-feeding, or are in labor
- you have recently had or will be having coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery
- you have a stomach ulcer, or a history of ulcers or certain severe stomach problems (eg, bleeding, perforation)
- you have severe kidney problems or are at risk of kidney failure (eg, low blood volume, dehydrated)
- you have bleeding in the brain (eg, a stroke, an aneurysm), bleeding or clotting problems (eg, a platelet disorder, hemophilia), or you are at risk of bleeding
- you need to prevent pain before any major surgery
- you are taking pentoxifylline, probenecid, another formulation of Sprix Spray (eg, tablets, injection), or another NSAID (eg, ibuprofen, celecoxib)
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Sprix Spray:
Some medical conditions may interact with Sprix Spray. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have a history of kidney or liver problems, diabetes, stomach or bowel problems (eg, bleeding, perforation, ulcers, ulcerative colitis, Crohn disease), or frequent heartburn
- if you have a history of swelling or fluid buildup, asthma, growths in the nose (nasal polyps), or mouth inflammation
- if you have high blood pressure, blood disorders (eg, anemia, porphyria), bleeding or clotting problems, heart problems (eg, heart failure), blood vessel disease, or you are at risk of any of these diseases
- if you have poor health, dehydration or low fluid volume, low blood sodium levels, smoke, drink alcohol, or have a history of alcohol abuse
- if you take corticosteroids (eg, prednisone) or anticoagulants (eg, warfarin)
- if you weigh less than 110 lbs (50 kg)
- if you have recently taken other formulations of Sprix Spray (eg, tablets, injection)
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Sprix Spray. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), aspirin, corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), heparin and other blood thinners (eg, dalteparin), pentoxifylline, rivaroxaban, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (eg, fluoxetine), thienopyridines (eg, clopidogrel), or other NSAIDs (eg, ibuprofen, celecoxib) because the risk of bleeding may be increased
- Probenecid because it may increase the risk of Sprix Spray's side effects
- Alprazolam, cyclosporine, lithium, methotrexate, quinolones (eg, ciprofloxacin), or thiothixene because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Sprix Spray
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, enalapril), angiotensin receptor blockers (eg, losartan), carbamazepine, diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), or phenytoin because their effectiveness may be decreased by Sprix Spray
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Sprix Spray may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Sprix Spray:
Use Sprix Spray as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Sprix Spray comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Sprix Spray refilled.
- Before you use each bottle for the first time, you must prime it. Remove the clear plastic cover and the blue plastic safety clip. Hold the bottle at arm's length away from you. Using your index and middle fingers on the top of the bottle and your thumb on the bottom of the bottle, press down evenly and release the pump 5 times. The bottle is now ready to use.
- To use this nose spray, gently blow your nose. Sit up straight or stand and tilt your head forward slightly. Place the tip of the spray container into the nose. Be sure to point the container away from the center of your nose. Breathe gently through the nostril and squeeze the spray container. If your dose requires 2 sprays, repeat the process for your other nostril. Replace the clear plastic cover after each use.
- Do NOT use Sprix Spray for more than 5 days. Sprix Spray is not for the treatment of mild to moderate or chronic pain (eg, headache).
- Avoid contact with the eyes. If you get Sprix Spray in your eyes, rinse it out with water. If eye irritation persists for more than 1 hour, contact your doctor.
- Each bottle contains 1 day's supply of Sprix Spray. Discard each bottle within 24 hours of opening it, even if it still contains some unused medicine.
- If you miss a dose of Sprix Spray and you are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Sprix Spray.
Important safety information:
- Sprix Spray may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Sprix Spray with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Serious stomach ulcers or bleeding can occur with the use of Sprix Spray. Taking it in high doses or for a long time, smoking, or drinking alcohol increases the risk of these side effects. Taking Sprix Spray with food will NOT reduce the risk of these effects. Contact your doctor or emergency room at once if you develop severe stomach or back pain; black, tarry stools; vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds; or unusual weight gain or swelling.
- Do NOT take more than the recommended dose, use more often than prescribed, or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.
- Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Sprix Spray before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
- If vomiting or diarrhea occurs, you will need to take care not to become dehydrated. Contact your doctor for instructions.
- Sprix Spray is an NSAID. Before you start any new medicine, check the label to see if it has an NSAID (eg, ibuprofen) in it too. If it does or if you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Do not take aspirin while you are using Sprix Spray unless your doctor tells you to.
- Check with your doctor or pharmacist before you take acetaminophen while you are taking Sprix Spray. The risk of liver problems may be increased.
- Lab tests, including kidney or liver function, blood electrolyte levels, complete blood cell counts, or blood pressure, may be performed while you use Sprix Spray. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Use Sprix Spray with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially stomach bleeding and kidney problems.
- Sprix Spray should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 17 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Sprix Spray may cause harm to the fetus. Do not use it during the last 3 months of pregnancy. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Sprix Spray while you are pregnant. Sprix Spray is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Sprix Spray.
Possible side effects of Sprix Spray:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; gas; headache; heartburn; increased tearing; mild nasal discomfort, irritation, or pain; mild stomach pain or upset; nausea; throat irritation; vomiting.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, throat, or tongue, unusual hoarseness); bloody or black, tarry stools; bloody or cloudy urine; change in the amount of urine produced or trouble urinating; chest, jaw, or left arm pain; confusion; dark urine; depression; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; hallucinations; loss of appetite; mental or mood changes; mouth sores; numbness of an arm or leg; one-sided weakness; pale stools; persistent flu-like symptoms; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; ringing in the ears; seizures; severe headache or dizziness; severe or persistent stomach pain or nausea; severe vomiting or diarrhea; shortness of breath; sudden or unexplained weight gain; swelling of the arms, hands, legs, or feet; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual joint or muscle pain; unusual tiredness or weakness; vision or speech changes; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; yellowing of the skin or eyes.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Sprix side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include decreased urination; loss of consciousness; seizures; severe dizziness or drowsiness; severe nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain; slow or troubled breathing; tremor; unusual bleeding or bruising; vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
Proper storage of Sprix Spray:
Store unopened bottles of Sprix Spray in the refrigerator, between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C). Do not freeze. Store opened bottles of Sprix Spray at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), in a tightly closed container. Store upright, away from heat, moisture, and light. Discard opened bottles of Sprix Spray within 24 hours of opening. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Sprix Spray out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Sprix Spray, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Sprix Spray is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Sprix Spray. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Sprix resources
- Sprix Side Effects (in more detail)
- Sprix Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Sprix Drug Interactions
- Sprix Support Group
- 8 Reviews for Sprix - Add your own review/rating
Compare Sprix with other medications
- Pain