Single-dose intramuscular ketorolac versus diclofenac for pain management in renal colic

A double-blind controlled study was designed to compare the effectiveness of a single intramuscular dose of 60 mg ketorolac with that of 75 mg diclofenac in the treatment of renal colic and to monitor side effects. Fifty-seven patients completed the study, 27 in the ketorolac group and 30 in the diclofenac group. Effectiveness of treatment was monitored by pain relief reported on a 4-point verbal scale at different time points. At 60 minutes 77.8% and 86.6% (P = 0.4) of patients, and at 120 minutes 81.5% and 96.6% (P = .15) of patients, reported significant pain relief following ketorolac and diclofenac doses, respectively. Both groups had an equal 92% significant pain relief at discharge from the emergency department. Both drugs were well tolerated by the patients. Ketorolac therefore, seems as effective as diclofenac in the treatment of renal colic.