Ibifen (Ketoprofen)

Ketoprofen acts locally on inflamed tissues to provide analgesic and anti‑inflammatory effects.

• Mild to moderate pain: reduces pain intensity in acute or chronic superficial pain conditions.
• Inflammatory musculoskeletal conditions: alleviates swelling and discomfort in joints, tendons and muscles.
• Localized soft‑tissue inflammation: diminishes redness, heat and edema in skin‑level injuries or overuse syndromes.

• Ketoprofen reversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase‑1 and cyclooxygenase‑2 enzymes in peripheral tissues, decreasing the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. The reduced prostaglandin synthesis limits inflammation, pain signalling, and fever responses at the site of application, providing localized therapeutic effects without significant systemic exposure.

Ketoprofen may cause local and systemic adverse reactions, most of which are mild and reversible.

Common Side Effects

• Skin irritation: redness, itching or burning at the application site.
• Dryness: mild desquamation or flaking of the treated skin.
• Pruritus: transient itching without rash.
• Localized edema: slight swelling that resolves spontaneously.
• Mild headache: occasional tension‑type headache.
• Gastrointestinal discomfort: mild nausea or dyspepsia.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe skin reactions: Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.
• Allergic dermatitis: widespread rash with swelling and blistering.
• Systemic NSAID toxicity: renal impairment or elevated liver enzymes.
• Cardiovascular events: increased risk of thrombotic events in susceptible patients.
• Gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding: rare but serious GI complications.
• Anaphylaxis: acute, life‑threatening hypersensitivity reaction.

When using Ibifen, consider the following safety measures.

• Contraindications: avoid use in patients with known hypersensitivity to ketoprofen or other NSAIDs.
• Pregnancy: not recommended during the third trimester due to potential fetal risks.
• Breastfeeding: consult a healthcare professional before use, as drug may pass into milk.
• Skin integrity: do not apply to broken, infected, or severely inflamed skin.
• Drug interactions: review concomitant medications for potential NSAID interactions.
• Store below 25°C: keep in the original packaging, protect from moisture and light.

Ketoprofen can interact with several drug classes, requiring careful assessment.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Other NSAIDs or COX‑2 inhibitors: increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): heightened anticoagulant effect and bleeding risk.
• Corticosteroids: additive risk of ulceration and GI complications.
• Lithium: potential increase in lithium serum levels.
• Methotrexate: reduced clearance leading to toxicity.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: possible reduction in antihypertensive efficacy.
• Diuretics: risk of renal function decline.
• SSRIs or SNRIs: modestly increased bleeding tendency.
• Antihypertensives: may blunt blood pressure control.
• Alcohol: additive gastrointestinal irritation.