Ketorolac - Alexandra

When Hippos Are Upset, Their Sweat Turns Red

Interesting fact isn't it? Unfortunately this is not what will be discussed in this post. However now that I have your attention let me share some other interesting facts with you! So now that you know this is not about hippo sweat lets talk about the picture of the pills. These specific pills are called Ketorolac and they are used as a painkiller after surgeries. It is in the same family as Advil but much stronger. Ketorolac, when used properly can have wonderful effects. However when it is not used properly its side effects can include heart attack, stroke, ulcers and/or holes in the stomach and intestines, vomiting blood and kidney failure. It is never suppose to be taken for more then 5 days at a time. It can come in several different forms such as intravenously, orally (in pill form) or using eye drops. The plus side of using ketorolac is that it helps swelling to go down which can speed up the healing process after surgery. It is nonaddictive which makes it a better option then things like phentanyl  or dezocine and more likely for doctors to prescribe it. Ketorolac inhibits cylooxygenace 1 and cyloocygenace 2 (cox 1 and cox 2) which are pathways in the brain that make us feel pain. Inhibiting them means that the pain that we feel after a surgery cannot be conveyed to the brain and therefore feels like it doesn't hurt. It is very hard to find medications that block cox 2, but because this one can, people are able to feel much better much faster. An important part of healing after surgery is to get up and get moving as soon as possible. Thanks to this medicine, people are able to do that with as little pain as possible. Although it can have some pretty scary side effects, when used properly this medication can work like a charm. Now go find out why hippos sweat turns red when they are upset. You know you want to.