ketorolac + meloxicam

This entry refers to the specific non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) regimen evaluated by the Major Extremity Trauma Research Consortium (METRC) in the multicenter, randomized Phase 3 PAIN study (NCT02781675). The regimen consists of an initial course of ketorolac, administered intravenously or intramuscularly, followed by a transition to oral meloxicam. Ketorolac is a potent, non-selective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), providing rapid analgesia in the acute post-traumatic setting. Meloxicam is a preferential COX-2 inhibitor used for maintenance therapy to provide sustained anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. The primary objective of this multimodal approach is to reduce opioid consumption and improve long-term functional outcomes, including the prevention of chronic post-traumatic osteoarthritis, in patients with high-energy orthopedic fractures.

Brand names

ToradolMobic

Other names

METRC NSAID regimenMETRC PAIN study NSAID arm