Ketoprofen Sf (Ketoprofen)

• Ketoprofen is indicated for conditions involving pain and inflammation within the musculoskeletal and rheumatic disease spectrum.
• Mild to moderate pain: provides analgesic relief for acute or chronic pain conditions.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: reduces joint inflammation, swelling and pain in affected patients.
• Osteoarthritis: alleviates chronic joint discomfort and improves functional mobility.
• Musculoskeletal injuries: diminishes inflammation and supports faster recovery after strains or sprains.
• Ankylosing spondylitis: helps control spinal inflammation and associated pain.

• Ketoprofen exerts its anti‑inflammatory and analgesic effects by reversibly inhibiting both cyclooxygenase‑1 (COX‑1) and cyclooxygenase‑2 (COX‑2) enzymes. This inhibition blocks the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins, which are mediators of pain, fever and inflammation. By lowering prostaglandin synthesis, ketoprofen decreases peripheral sensitisation of nociceptors and reduces inflammatory exudate formation, resulting in pain relief and diminished swelling.

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

Common Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal upset: nausea, dyspepsia or abdominal discomfort.
• Headache: mild to moderate intensity.
• Dizziness: transient sensation of light‑headedness.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding: may present with blood in stool or vomiting.
• Renal impairment: reduced kidney function or acute renal failure.
• Severe skin reactions: Stevens‑Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis or anaphylaxis.

When prescribing or dispensing ketoprofen, several precautionary measures should be observed to minimise risk.

• Assess renal function: evaluate kidney status before initiating therapy and monitor periodically.
• Monitor hepatic function: avoid use in patients with severe liver disease or elevated enzymes.
• Check for hypersensitivity: contraindicate in individuals with known allergy to ketoprofen or other NSAIDs.
• Use caution in elderly: increased susceptibility to gastrointestinal bleeding and renal adverse effects.
• Avoid concurrent use with anticoagulants without supervision: heightened bleeding risk.
• Store at room temperature: keep in the original packaging, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Ketoprofen can interact with several medicines, altering efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased risk of serious bleeding.
• Other NSAIDs or COX‑2 inhibitors: additive gastrointestinal toxicity.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: may reduce renal perfusion and function.
• Diuretics: heightened risk of renal impairment, especially in volume‑depleted patients.
• Lithium: ketoprofen can raise lithium plasma concentrations, risking toxicity.