Can a common painkiller curb opiate use in the ICU?

NCT ID NCT06819956

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Alberta Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether a low dose of ketorolac, an NSAID, can safely reduce pain and the need for opiates in critically ill ICU patients. Thirty adults with pain will receive either ketorolac or a placebo for up to three days. The main goal is to see if this approach is feasible for a larger future trial.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Ketorolac (an NSAID painkiller)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a way to reduce opiate use in the ICU, lowering the risk of addiction after discharge.
What could go wrong: This is a small pilot study with only 30 patients, so results may not be definitive. NSAIDs carry risks of bleeding and kidney injury, though patients are closely monitored.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

agnosia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

PAIN MANAGEMENT

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Alberta Hospital
RECRUITING

Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2B7, Canada

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