How would you answer this question?
Sprix nasal spray (ketorolac tromethamine) was recently approved by the FDA for short-term control of moderate to moderately severe pain. A major side effect of Sprix is:
a. Nasal septum deviation
b. Renal insufficiency
c. GI bleeding
d. Cardiomyopathy
The correct answer is "c" GI bleeding.
Ketorolac tromethamine (Sprix) is a non-steroidal antiinflammatory (NSAID) drug used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs decrease inflammation and reduce pain by blocking peripheral and central nerve fibers. What is different about Sprix is that it is a nasal spray with similar efficacy to the injectable formulation of ketorolac.
The most common side effect of Sprix is mild and transient nasal discomfort. As a non-steroidal antiinflammatory medication, ketorolac can cause gastrointestinal bleeding by blocking prostaglandin production that leads to gastric erosion. Ketorolac can also exacerbate renal dysfunction in patients with advanced renal dysfunction and can lead to increased risk of cardiovascular thrombus formation.
Sprix is designed for short-term use not to exceed five days. For more information, see www.sprix.com.
Congratulations to Geraldine Anderson who won an autographed copy of my 101 Tips to Improve Your Nursing Care book for answering this week's question correctly. Congratulations Geraldine!
Best wishes,
David W. Woodruff, MSN, RN-BC, CNS, CEN
President, Ed4Nurses, Inc.
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