Ketoprofene Sandoz (Ketoprofen)

Ketoprofene Sandoz, a non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drug, is used to manage pain and inflammation associated with several musculoskeletal and rheumatic conditions.

• Mild to moderate pain: Provides symptomatic relief of acute or chronic pain such as headache, dental pain or postoperative discomfort.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: Reduces joint inflammation, swelling and stiffness, improving functional ability.
• Osteoarthritis: Alleviates joint pain and improves mobility in degenerative joint disease.
• Musculoskeletal pain: Controls pain from strains, sprains, and overuse injuries.
• Inflammatory conditions: Decreases inflammation in conditions such as bursitis or tendinitis.

• Ketoprofen exerts its anti‑inflammatory and analgesic effects by reversibly inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes COX‑1 and COX‑2. This inhibition blocks the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins, which are mediators of pain, fever and inflammation. By lowering prostaglandin synthesis, ketoprofen reduces peripheral sensitisation and inflammatory responses in affected tissues. The drug preferentially accumulates in inflamed tissues, where it further suppresses leukocyte activation and cytokine release, contributing to its therapeutic effect.

Ketoprofene Sandoz may be associated with a range of adverse reactions, varying from mild to serious.

Common Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal discomfort: Nausea, dyspepsia or abdominal pain.
• Headache: Mild to moderate intensity.
• Dizziness: Transient sensation of light‑headedness.
• Skin rash: Mild erythema or pruritus.
• Elevated liver enzymes: Mild, transient increase in hepatic transaminases.
• Edema: Mild peripheral swelling, often in the ankles.
• Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Peptic ulcer disease: Gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation.
• Severe hypersensitivity: Anaphylaxis, angioedema or Stevens‑Johnson syndrome.
• Renal impairment: Acute kidney injury or worsening of chronic renal disease.
• Cardiovascular events: Myocardial infarction or stroke, particularly with long‑term use.
• Hematologic disorders: Thrombocytopenia or leukopenia.

When prescribing Ketoprofene Sandoz, clinicians should consider several precautionary measures to minimise risk.

• Assess gastrointestinal risk: Evaluate history of ulcer disease or NSAID‑induced bleeding.
• Monitor renal function: Check baseline creatinine and adjust use in renal impairment.
• Evaluate cardiovascular status: Use cautiously in patients with hypertension or heart disease.
• Review concomitant medications: Avoid concurrent use with other NSAIDs, anticoagulants or corticosteroids unless necessary.
• Pregnancy and lactation: Use only if clearly needed after risk‑benefit assessment.
• Store at ambient temperature: Keep below 25 °C in the original packaging, protected from moisture and light.

Ketoprofene Sandoz can interact with several medicines; awareness of the interaction level guides clinical decisions.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): Increased risk of serious bleeding.
• Selective COX‑2 inhibitors: Additive gastrointestinal toxicity.
• High‑dose aspirin: Enhanced ulcer risk and renal impairment.
• ACE inhibitors or diuretics: Potential reduction in antihypertensive effect and renal function.
• Lithium: Elevated lithium levels leading to toxicity.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Methotrexate: Decreased renal clearance may raise methotrexate toxicity.
• Corticosteroids: Combined use may increase ulcer risk.
• SSRIs or SNRIs: Higher chance of gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Diuretics: May potentiate renal effects.
• Cyclosporine: Increased nephrotoxicity risk.