Keral (Dexketoprofen)

Dexketoprofen acts as an NSAID to reduce pain and inflammation in several clinical settings.

• Mild to moderate pain: provides rapid analgesia for everyday pain conditions.
• Musculoskeletal pain: decreases inflammation and improves mobility in joint and muscle disorders.
• Post‑operative pain: alleviates surgical discomfort during the recovery period.
• Dysmenorrhea: relieves menstrual cramps and associated discomfort.

• Dexketoprofen inhibits cyclo‑oxygenase (COX‑1 and COX‑2) enzymes, which blocks the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. By reducing prostaglandin synthesis, it diminishes peripheral sensitisation, inflammation, and pain signalling at the site of tissue injury, resulting in analgesic and anti‑inflammatory effects.

Adverse reactions may range from mild to serious and should be monitored during therapy.

Common Side Effects

• Gastro‑intestinal discomfort: nausea, dyspepsia or abdominal pain.
• Headache: mild to moderate intensity.
• Dizziness or vertigo.
• Skin rash: mild erythema or pruritus.
• Elevated blood pressure: transient increase.
• Mild renal function changes.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Gastro‑intestinal ulceration or bleeding.
• Severe skin reactions: Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.
• Acute renal failure or significant creatinine rise.
• Hepatic injury: hepatitis or liver enzyme elevation.
• Anaphylactic or anaphylactoid reactions.
• Cardiovascular events: myocardial infarction or stroke in high‑risk patients.

Before initiating therapy, consider the following safety measures.

• Renal assessment: evaluate kidney function, especially in elderly or dehydrated patients.
• Hepatic assessment: check liver enzymes if pre‑existing liver disease is present.
• Hypersensitivity: avoid use in individuals with known allergy to dexketoprofen or other NSAIDs.
• Anticoagulant use: monitor bleeding risk when combined with warfarin or similar agents.
• Blood pressure monitoring: watch for hypertension in patients with cardiovascular risk.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep in the original packaging, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Dexketoprofen may interact with several drug classes; some require avoidance while others need close monitoring.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased risk of serious bleeding.
• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: heightened chance of renal impairment.
• Lithium: NSAIDs can raise lithium serum levels, risking toxicity.
• Methotrexate: reduced clearance may lead to toxicity.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Other NSAIDs or COX‑2 inhibitors: additive gastrointestinal toxicity.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): elevated bleeding tendency.
• Diuretics: possible reduction in renal perfusion, requiring renal function monitoring.