Ketoprofene Eg (Ketoprofen)

Ketoprofen belongs to the NSAID class and is indicated for inflammatory and painful conditions.

• Osteoarthritis: reduces joint pain and swelling, improving function.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: alleviates chronic joint inflammation and stiffness.
• Acute musculoskeletal pain: provides rapid analgesia for sprains, strains and back pain.
• Post‑operative pain: helps control pain after minor surgical procedures.

• Ketoprofen exerts its effect by reversibly inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX‑1 and COX‑2) enzymes, which blocks the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. The resulting decrease in prostaglandin synthesis reduces inflammation, pain signaling, and fever, providing analgesic and anti‑inflammatory benefits 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: mild to moderate intensity.
• Dizziness or vertigo.
• Skin reactions: rash or mild itching.
• Elevated liver enzymes: transient laboratory changes.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding.
• Severe renal impairment or acute kidney injury.
• Cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction or stroke.
• Severe hypersensitivity reactions including Stevens‑Johnson syndrome.
• Hepatotoxicity with jaundice or hepatitis.
• Blood dyscrasias such as thrombocytopenia or agranulocytosis.

Ketoprofen should be used with caution in specific clinical situations.

• Renal function: monitor creatinine and urine output in patients with existing kidney disease.
• Hepatic health: assess liver enzymes before and during therapy in patients with liver impairment.
• Cardiovascular risk: avoid long‑term use in patients with established heart disease or uncontrolled hypertension.
• Gastrointestinal protection: consider co‑prescribing a proton‑pump inhibitor for patients with a history of ulcers.
• Pregnancy and lactation: use only if clearly indicated after risk‑benefit evaluation.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C, in the original container, protected from moisture and direct sunlight.

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

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased risk of serious bleeding.
• Other NSAIDs or COX‑2 inhibitors: heightened gastrointestinal toxicity.
• High‑dose aspirin: additive renal and gastric adverse effects.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: possible reduction in antihypertensive efficacy and renal function.
• Diuretics: may potentiate renal impairment.
• Lithium: NSAIDs can raise lithium serum levels, risking toxicity.
• Methotrexate: reduced clearance may increase toxicity.