One of the 2 nonresponders to chlorpromazine did not respond to ketorolac. No complications or side effects of either treatment were observed. Because chlorpromazine seems to be an effective drug in the short-term care setting, we chose it as a standard for comparison with ketorolac. The mechanism by which chlorpromazine acts to alleviate migraine is unclear. The use of chlorpromazine is limited by potential side effects.
Tardive dyskinesia can be permanent even after a few doses.
Hypotension can be managed with fluids in patients with healthy cardiovascular systems. Drowsiness occurs in many patients and may correlate with effectiveness. Of these side effects, we have seen only transient hypotension and drowsiness. Adverse effects of a single dose of ketorolac are rare. In addition, in a busy ED, IM medication is more efficiently administered.