You can take Toradol (ketorolac) while breastfeeding, but with certain considerations. The levels of ketorolac found in breast milk are relatively low with usual oral dosage 1 . However, we don't have data on the levels in breast milk after larger doses such as those delivered through injection or nasal spray.
It's interesting to note that some hospitals use ketorolac injections after a cesarean section for a short period of time, usually without reported harm to nursing infants. However, since colostrum is produced in small volumes, the amount of ketorolac that an infant would consume through breast milk is minimal.
It's important to remember that the manufacturer of ketorolac advises against its use during breastfeeding 2 due to its potent antiplatelet activity and potential for causing gastrointestinal bleeding. As a result, after the initial 24 to 72 hours postpartum, when milk production ramps up, an alternative drug might be a better choice, particularly for nursing newborns or preterm infants.
As for ketorolac eye drops, they’re unlikely to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. To significantly reduce the amount of drug that gets into breast milk, you can apply pressure over the tear duct for about a minute after using the eye drops.
