Sprix
Generic Name: Ketorolac
What is Sprix?
Sprix is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for the short term (up to 5 days) treatment of moderate to moderately severe pain in adults.What is the most important information I should know about Sprix?
Sprix and other NSAIDs may increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke that can lead to death. This chance increases with the longer use of NSAID medicines and in people who have heart disease.Sprix and other NSAID medicines should never be used right before or after a heart surgery called a "coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)."
Sprix and other NSAID medicines can cause ulcers and bleeding in the stomach and intestines at any time during treatment. Ulcers and bleeding can happen without warning symptoms and may cause death. The chance of a person getting an ulcer or bleeding increases with taking medicines called "corticosteroids" and "anticoagulants," longer use, smoking, drinking alcohol, older age, and having poor health.
Sprix and other NSAID medicines should only be used exactly as prescribed, at the lowest dose possible for your treatment, and for the shortest time needed.
Do not use Sprix for more than 5 days in a row. If you are still experiencing pain after 5 days, please contact your doctor.
Who should not take Sprix?
Do not use Sprix if you had an allergic reaction to ketorolac, or if you have ever had an asthma attack, hives, or other allergic reaction after taking aspirin, other NSAIDs, or to EDTA (ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid).Do not use Sprix if you have or have ever had an ulcer in the stomach or intestines (peptic ulcer), intestinal bleeding, or other bleeding problems.
Do not use Sprix for the treatment of pain right before or after heart bypass surgery or for use before a major surgery.
Do not use Sprix if you have kidney disease.
Do not use Sprix if you are taking probenecid or pentoxifylline.
What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Sprix?
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any health conditions (especially those listed above) and also about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Sprix. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have or had heart disease, high blood pressure, liver problems, asthma, are elderly, weigh <110 lbs, are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or plan to breastfeed.What is the usual dosage?
The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.Adults: The usual recommended dose of Sprix is one spray into each nostril (two sprays in total) every 6-8 hours, as needed for relief of pain. The maximum daily dose is four doses.
How should I take Sprix?
Please read the patient instruction leaflet carefully before you start to take your medicine.Use Sprix only as prescribed by your doctor.
As with all pain medications, it is important that you drink plenty of fluids while you are using Sprix.
Some patients experience discomfort or irritation in the nose when using Sprix. Generally, this lasts only a few minutes and does not worsen when you use Sprix again. Some people experience a brief sensation in the throat. If this happens, you may want to take a sip of water after using Sprix.
What should I avoid while taking Sprix?
Do not use any single Sprix bottle for more than one day as it will not deliver the intended dose after 24 hours. Discard the bottle no more than 24 hours after taking the first dose, even if the bottle still contains some liquid.Avoid contact of Sprix with the eyes. If eye contact occurs, wash out the eye with water or saline, and consult your doctor if irritation persists for more than an hour.
What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Sprix?
If Sprix is used with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Sprix with the following: ACE inhibitors, alprazolam, angiotensin II receptor antagonists, aspirin, carbamazepine, fluoxetine, furosemide and thiazide diuretics, other formulations of ketorolac, lithium, methotrexate, other NSAID medicines, nondepolarizing muscle relaxants, pentoxifylline, phenytoin, probenecid, salicylates, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, thiothixene, and warfarin.What are the possible side effects of Sprix?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.Side effects may include: nasal discomfort, nasal pain, tearing, throat irritation, decreased urine output, rash, slow heart rate, high blood pressure, stuffy nose
Can I receive Sprix if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, and are breastfeeding. The use of Sprix and other NSAID medicines (at or after 30 weeks of pregnancy) can harm your baby. Before 30 weeks of pregnancy, Sprix should be used only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the unborn baby.What should I do if I miss a dose of Sprix?
If you miss a dose of Sprix, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once.How should I store Sprix?
Store at room temperature. Keep upright in a cool, dry location out of direct sunlight.
I'm Beth Isaac, PharmD. Welcome to PDR Health!
