What is the comparative effectiveness of 10, 15, and 30 mg of intravenous ketorolac in reducing pain at 30 minutes in patients presenting to the emergency department acute pain?

BEEM Bottom Line

Why is this study important?

Although prior studies have demonstrated that ketorolac has a ceiling dose, or maximally effective dose of 10 mg, the doses commonly used in emergency medicine are much higher (30 mg intravenously [IV] or 60 mg intramuscularly).[1][2][3] However, the standard IV dose of ketorolac is higher than the standard oral dose. Using a higher dose than necessary could result in more adverse events.

Which, if any, threats to validity are most likely to have an impact on the results and how?

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