Ketoflix (Ketoprofen)

Ketoprofen is an NSAID that reduces inflammation and pain by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes.

• Mild to moderate pain: Provides analgesic relief for headaches, dental pain, postoperative discomfort and other acute pain states.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: Helps decrease joint swelling, stiffness and pain associated with chronic inflammatory arthritis.
• Osteoarthritis: Improves mobility and reduces pain in degenerative joint disease.
• Musculoskeletal pain: Alleviates discomfort from strains, sprains and other soft‑tissue injuries.

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

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

Common Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal discomfort: nausea, dyspepsia, abdominal pain.
• Headache or dizziness.
• Skin rash or pruritus.
• Mild elevation of liver enzymes.
• Edema or fluid retention.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding.
• Acute renal failure or worsening of chronic kidney disease.
• Severe hypersensitivity reactions such as Stevens‑Johnson syndrome.
• Anaphylactic shock.
• Hepatotoxicity with marked liver enzyme elevation.
• Cardiovascular events including myocardial infarction or stroke.

Before initiating therapy, consider patient‑specific risk factors and monitor appropriately.

• Assess gastrointestinal risk: Use the lowest effective dose and consider gastro‑protective agents in high‑risk patients.
• Monitor renal function: Check serum creatinine and electrolytes, especially in the elderly or those with pre‑existing kidney disease.
• Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration needed to control symptoms.
• Avoid in patients with known hypersensitivity to ketoprofen or other NSAIDs.
• Caution in patients with cardiovascular disease or uncontrolled hypertension.
• Store at room temperature: keep in the original pack, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Ketoprofen can interact with several drug classes, altering efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased risk of serious bleeding.
• Other NSAIDs or aspirin: heightened gastrointestinal toxicity.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): elevated bleeding risk.
• Lithium: ketoprofen may raise lithium serum levels, risking toxicity.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: may reduce renal perfusion, especially in volume‑depleted patients.
• Diuretics: potential for reduced antihypertensive effect and renal impairment.
• Methotrexate: decreased clearance leading to toxicity.
• Corticosteroids: additive risk of gastrointestinal ulceration.