Ketorolac is an example of which type of analgesic?

• A. Non-Narcotic Intravenous Analgesic
• B. Narcotic Intravenous Analgesic
• C. Beta Blocker
• D. Anti-Hypertensive

Answer: (A)

Ketorolac is a non-narcotic analgesic, specifically an NSAID that can be given by IV. It relieves pain by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes, which lowers prostaglandin synthesis and reduces inflammation and pain signaling. Unlike narcotic (opioid) analgesics, it does not act on opioid receptors, so it lacks typical opioid-related effects such as respiratory depression or dependence. It’s used for short-term management of moderate to severe acute pain and is commonly administered intravenously, but it carries risks like gastrointestinal irritation/bleeding and potential kidney effects, so usage is generally limited to short durations and careful patient selection. The other options are not analgesics or not relevant to pain relief—beta blockers and antihypertensives are cardiovascular agents.