Ketonal (Ketoprofen)

Ketonal is indicated for conditions involving inflammation and pain, acting through cyclo‑oxygenase inhibition.

• Mild to moderate pain: provides analgesia for everyday pain such as dental or headache.
• Post‑operative pain: reduces pain and inflammation after surgical procedures.
• Musculoskeletal pain: alleviates strain‑related discomfort in muscles and joints.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: helps control inflammatory joint pain and swelling.
• Osteoarthritis: improves joint function and reduces chronic pain.

• 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.

Ketonal may cause a range of adverse reactions, from mild to severe.

Common Side Effects

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

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration.
• Acute renal impairment or failure.
• Severe skin reactions such as Stevens‑Johnson syndrome.
• Anaphylactic or anaphylactoid reactions.
• Hepatotoxicity with elevated liver enzymes.

Before using Ketonal, consider the following safety measures.

• Cardiovascular risk: avoid in patients with established heart disease unless benefits outweigh risks.
• Gastrointestinal history: use cautiously in those with prior ulcers or bleeding.
• Renal function: monitor kidney parameters in patients with chronic kidney disease.
• Concomitant NSAIDs or anticoagulants: increase risk of bleeding; assess necessity.
• Pregnancy and lactation: only use if clearly indicated after professional evaluation.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C, in original packaging, protected from moisture and direct sunlight.

Ketonal can interact with several drug classes, requiring attention to avoid adverse outcomes.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): heightened risk of serious bleeding.
• High‑dose aspirin or other NSAIDs: additive gastrointestinal toxicity.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): increased bleeding tendency.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: may reduce renal function, especially in dehydrated patients.
• Diuretics: potential for reduced renal perfusion.
• Lithium: NSAIDs can raise lithium serum levels, requiring monitoring.