Ketonal (Ketoprofen)

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

• Mild to moderate pain: provides analgesic relief for acute pain conditions.
• Post‑operative pain: helps control pain after surgical procedures.
• Musculoskeletal pain: alleviates pain associated with strains, sprains and overuse injuries.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: reduces joint inflammation and improves mobility.
• Osteoarthritis: diminishes chronic joint pain and stiffness.

• Ketoprofen reversibly inhibits both cyclooxygenase‑1 (COX‑1) and cyclooxygenase‑2 (COX‑2) enzymes, blocking the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. This decrease in prostaglandin synthesis leads to reduced inflammation, pain, and fever at sites of tissue injury.

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

Common Side Effects

• Nausea: occasional upset stomach or feeling sick.
• Dyspepsia: indigestion or heartburn.
• Headache: mild to moderate head pain.
• Dizziness: transient light‑headedness.
• Injection site reactions: redness, swelling or pain at the administration site.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal bleeding: severe stomach or intestinal bleeding.
• Ulceration: development of gastric or duodenal ulcers.
• Renal impairment: reduced kidney function or acute kidney injury.
• Severe hypersensitivity: rash, angioedema or anaphylactic reactions.
• Stevens‑Johnson syndrome: rare but serious skin disorder.
• Anaphylaxis: life‑threatening allergic reaction.

When using Ketoprofen, consider the following safety measures.

• Renal function assessment: evaluate kidney health before initiating therapy.
• Gastro‑intestinal risk: avoid in patients with a history of ulcers or bleeding.
• Hypersensitivity screening: do not use if known allergy to ketoprofen or other NSAIDs.
• Anticoagulant caution: monitor bleeding risk when combined with warfarin or similar agents.
• Cardiovascular evaluation: use with caution in patients with heart disease.
• Store at 2-8°C: keep refrigerated, protect from light, do not freeze or shake.

Ketoprofen can interact with several medicines; some require avoidance while others need monitoring.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased bleeding risk.
• Other NSAIDs: additive gastrointestinal toxicity.
• Corticosteroids: heightened ulcer risk.
• ACE inhibitors: possible reduction in renal function.
• Lithium: increased lithium serum levels.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Diuretics: may affect kidney function.
• Methotrexate: potential for increased toxicity.
• Antihypertensives: possible reduction in blood pressure control.
• SSRIs: modest increase in bleeding tendency.
• Oral hypoglycemics: may alter blood glucose control.