Which medication is used for pain relief in renal calculi?

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Pain from renal calculi is best relieved by an analgesic that quickly targets both the pain and the underlying ureteral spasm. Ketorolac is a potent NSAID that blocks prostaglandin synthesis, which reduces inflammation and smooth muscle contractions in the ureter. This dual action helps lessen the cramping and intense pain of renal colic, and when given by IV or IM, it provides rapid, strong analgesia. While opioids like morphine can relieve pain, they don’t address the inflammatory component and can add sedation. Other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen are effective but may be less potent for acute, severe pain or slower if given orally. So, ketorolac is favored for acute renal colic because of its rapid onset and strong analgesic effect.