Can a common painkiller curb opiate use in the ICU?

NCT ID NCT06819956

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • University of Alberta Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2B7, Canada

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••