Menadex (Dexketoprofen)

Dexketoprofen is used to relieve pain and inflammation in several clinical settings.

• Mild to moderate pain: reduces acute pain intensity in conditions such as headache or injury.
• Musculoskeletal pain: alleviates pain and swelling associated with strains, sprains and low back pain.
• Post‑operative pain: provides analgesia after surgical procedures to improve patient comfort.
• Dental pain: controls pain following dental extractions or procedures.
• Inflammatory conditions: diminishes inflammation in acute inflammatory disorders.
• Fever: helps lower elevated body temperature associated with inflammatory pain.

• Dexketoprofen exerts its effect by non‑selectively inhibiting cyclooxygenase‑1 and cyclooxygenase‑2 (COX‑1/COX‑2) enzymes, which blocks the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. The reduction in prostaglandin synthesis leads to decreased sensitisation of nociceptors and diminished inflammatory mediator release, resulting in analgesic and anti‑inflammatory actions at the site of tissue injury. These actions occur throughout the peripheral tissues and contribute to systemic pain relief.

Dexketoprofen may cause a range of adverse reactions, which are classified by frequency and severity.

Common Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal discomfort: nausea, dyspepsia or abdominal pain.
• Headache: mild to moderate intensity.
• Dizziness or somnolence: transient feeling of light‑headedness or sleepiness.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal ulcer or bleeding: potentially severe hemorrhage.
• Renal impairment: reduced kidney function or acute renal failure.
• Severe hypersensitivity reactions: skin rash, angioedema or anaphylaxis.
• Hepatic dysfunction: elevated liver enzymes or hepatitis.
• Cardiovascular events: increased risk of thrombotic events or hypertension.

When prescribing Dexketoprofen, clinicians should observe several precautionary measures to minimise risk.

• Renal function: assess baseline renal status and monitor in patients with chronic kidney disease.
• Gastrointestinal risk: avoid in individuals with a history of peptic ulcer disease or gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Cardiovascular safety: use cautiously in patients with established cardiovascular disease or uncontrolled hypertension.
• Concomitant medications: review use of other NSAIDs, anticoagulants or corticosteroids to reduce additive toxicity.
• Pregnancy and lactation: avoid unless the potential benefit justifies the risk, as safety data are limited.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C in the original packaging, protected from moisture and light.

Dexketoprofen can interact with several drug classes; awareness of these interactions helps prevent adverse outcomes.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased risk of bleeding.
• Other NSAIDs or aspirin: additive gastrointestinal toxicity.
• Corticosteroids: heightened chance of ulceration or bleeding.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: may diminish renal function when combined.
• Diuretics: potential for reduced renal perfusion and electrolyte imbalance.
• Lithium: NSAIDs can raise lithium serum concentrations, risking toxicity.