Keto (Ketoprofen)

Ketoprofen is used to manage pain and inflammation across several musculoskeletal and rheumatic conditions.

• Mild to moderate pain: provides analgesic relief for acute or chronic pain states.
• Osteoarthritis: reduces joint pain and improves functional mobility.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: helps control inflammatory joint damage and pain.
• Musculoskeletal disorders: alleviates inflammation and discomfort in muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
• Inflammatory conditions: diminishes swelling and pain associated with various inflammatory processes.

• Ketoprofen exerts its effect by non‑selectively inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes COX‑1 and COX‑2, which blocks the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. The resulting decrease in prostaglandin synthesis reduces inflammation, pain signaling, and fever generation at the site of tissue injury.

Ketoprofen may cause a range of adverse reactions, from mild to serious.

Common Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal discomfort: dyspepsia, nausea, or abdominal pain.
• Headache: mild to moderate intensity.
• Dizziness or vertigo.
• Skin rash or pruritus.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding.
• Acute renal impairment or failure.
• Hepatic injury or elevated liver enzymes.
• Severe cutaneous reactions such as Stevens‑Johnson syndrome.
• Anaphylactic or anaphylactoid reactions.
• Cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction.

Before initiating ketoprofen therapy, consider the following precautions.

• Gastrointestinal risk assessment: evaluate history of ulcers or bleeding.
• Renal function monitoring: check baseline creatinine in patients with kidney disease.
• Hepatic monitoring: perform liver function tests if pre‑existing liver disease exists.
• Use lowest effective dose: limit duration to the shortest period necessary.
• Hypersensitivity screening: avoid in patients with known NSAID allergy.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep in original packaging, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

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

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased bleeding risk.
• Other NSAIDs or aspirin: heightened gastrointestinal toxicity.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): elevated hemorrhagic potential.
• Lithium: possible increase in lithium serum levels.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Diuretics: may reduce renal perfusion, monitor kidney function.
• Methotrexate: potential for increased toxicity, check serum levels.
• Corticosteroids: additive risk of gastrointestinal ulceration.
• Cyclosporine: may enhance nephrotoxic effects.