Ketoprofen
About
Ketoprofen belongs to a class of painkillers known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Ketoprofen is primarily used to reduce pain and swelling in muscles and joints in conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis (pain and stiffness in the backbone), cervical spondylitis (wear and tear of spinal discs in the neck), and acute gout (severe pain due to excess of uric acid). It is also a short-term treatment for muscle and back pain, tooth pain, and menstrual pain. Arthritis is a condition that causes swelling of one or more joints resulting in pain and stiffness of joints that worsen over time.
Ketoprofen contains ‘ketoprofen’ that works by blocking the action of cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzyme and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzyme in the body that is involved in the production of certain chemical substances such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes that cause pain and swelling. It also inhibits the synthesis of bradykinin, an important chemical mediator of pain and inflammation. Thus, it helps relieve pain and swelling associated with different types of arthritis. It also treats fibrositis (muscle pain and stiffness), tenosynovitis (swelling of tendons), low back pain, strains and sprains, and menstrual pain.
Take Ketoprofen as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Ketoprofen for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending upon your medical condition. Sometimes, you may experience indigestion, heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, bruising, itching, and rash. Most of these side effects of Ketoprofen do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Do not take Ketoprofen if you are allergic to NSAIDs, ketoprofen, or any of the ingredients of Ketoprofen. Taking Ketoprofen during the last 3 months of pregnancy may harm the unborn baby. Consult your doctor before taking Ketoprofen if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and your doctor will prescribe you Ketoprofen only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Ketoprofen is not recommended for children below 18 years of age and if you are 65 years of age or older unless prescribed by the doctor. Consumption of alcohol should be avoided during the treatment with Ketoprofen as it may lead to an increased risk of liver damage and stomach bleeding. It should not be used if you have undergone recent heart bypass surgery or going to have it.
Uses of Ketoprofen
Medicinal Benefits
Ketoprofen belongs to the group of NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) used to relieve pain and inflammation. It is helpful in the conditions of Rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation of your joints), Ankylosing spondylitis (pain due to problems with your spine), and Osteoarthritis (where the cushioning (cartilage) between your bone joints is damaged). In addition to this, it is also used as a short-term treatment for muscle and back pain, tooth pain, gout, and menstrual pain. Ketoprofen works by blocking the effect of a chemical messenger in your body, known as cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes that make another chemical, 'prostaglandins' (PG). These prostaglandins are produced at injury sites and cause pain and swelling. By blocking the COX enzyme's effect, lesser PGs are produced, which reduces mild to moderate pain and inflammation at the injured or damaged site. In addition, Ketoprofen also inhibits the lipoxygenase (LOX) enzyme pathway that makes other chemical noncyclized monohydroxy acids (HETE) and leukotrienes. By blocking the lipoxygenase enzyme, it may attenuate cell-mediated inflammation and thus retard the progression of tissue destruction in inflamed joints. Additionally, Ketoprofen is a powerful inhibitor of bradykinin, an important chemical mediator of pain and inflammation. Also, it stabilizes lysosomal membranes against osmotic damage and prevents the release of lysosomal enzymes that mediate tissue destruction in inflammatory reactions. Ketoprofen is more effective in relieving moderate to severe pain and improving your overall condition than other NSAIDs.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Ketoprofen
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Bruising
- Itching
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Retention of fluid
- Shortness of breath
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Ketoprofen may cause an increased risk of severe heart problems like myocardial infarction and stroke, which can be fatal. The risk may increase for prolonged use of Ketoprofen. It should not be used if you have undergone recent heart bypass surgery or going to have it. Ketoprofen increases the risk of severe gastrointestinal conditions like bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. Elderly patients are at greater risk for gastrointestinal bleeding problems, so the doctor can limit their dose. Ketoprofen is not recommended for pregnant women, especially in the third trimester, as it may cause harm to the baby. Therefore, pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised to consult a doctor before taking Ketoprofen. Ketoprofen is contraindicated in children below 18 years of age. Do not consume alcohol with Ketoprofen as it may increase the risk of stomach bleeding or ulcer. Stop taking Ketoprofen and consult your doctor immediately if you have stomach pain or any signs of bleeding in the intestine or stomach, such as blood in stools. Do not take aspirin or any other NSAIDs for pain relief along with Ketoprofen. Ketoprofen may hide signs of infections such as fever and pain. It may delay appropriate treatment of infections like pneumonia and bacterial skin infections related to chickenpox, which may lead to an increased risk of complications.
Drug Interactions
Drug Interaction: Ketoprofen is shown to interact with pain killers (naproxen, aspirin, ibuprofen, tramadol, hydrocodone, oxycodone), a medicine used to treat bipolar disorder (lithium), anticancer/antimetabolites (methotrexate), blood pressure, or heart medicine (digoxin), nausea medicine (metoclopramide, domperidone), medicines to stop blood clotting (heparin, warfarin, clopidogrel, ticlopidine, dabigatran, apixaban, rivaroxaban, edoxaban), medicines used to dissolve blood clots (streptokinase, alteplase, reteplase), antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin), an antidepressant (fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram, paroxetine), corticosteroids (hydrocortisone, betamethasone, prednisolone), a medicine used to terminate a pregnancy (mifepristone), used after an organ transplant (tacrolimus), diuretic/water pills (thiazides, furosemide).
Drug-Food Interaction: Ketoprofen may interact with alcohol. Therefore, avoid alcohol intake while taking Ketoprofen as it may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Ketoprofen should not be used if you have stomach/intestine ulcer or bleeding, heart failure, fluid retention (edema), asthma, high blood pressure, hyperkalemia (high levels of potassium), thrombosis (formation of clots), anemia (low red blood cells), rash, platelet aggregation inhibition, kidney and liver problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Ketoprofen. Alcohol intake, along with Ketoprofen, may cause increased drowsiness and drowsiness and may increase gastrointestinal ulcer risk and bleeding like other painkillers.
Pregnancy
unsafeIt is not recommended to take Ketoprofen while you are pregnant, especially in the last trimester. Please consult a Gynaecologist if you have any concerns; your doctor will prescribe you Ketoprofen only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
unsafeKetoprofen may pass into breast milk. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns; your doctor will decide whether you can take Ketoprofen while breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionKetoprofen may cause drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, and vision disturbances. So it is better not to drive a motor vehicle or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.
Liver
cautionTake Ketoprofen with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed and should be used with caution if you have kidney problems. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Children
cautionKetoprofen is not recommended for use in children younger than 18 years old.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Physical activity helps in strengthening muscles and relieves joint stiffness. Gentle activities like 20-30 minutes of walking or swimming would be helpful.
- Performing yoga may also help in improving joint flexibility and pain management.
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- Get adequate sleep, as resting the muscles can help in reducing inflammation and swelling.
- Follow heat or cold therapy, and apply a cold or hot compress on the joints for 15-20 minutes regularly.
- De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath, or listening to soothing music.
- Acupuncture, massage, and physical therapy may also be helpful.
- Eat food rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, kidney beans, dark chocolate, etc.
- Foods containing flavonoids help in reducing inflammation. These include soy, berries, broccoli, grapes, and green tea.
- Avoid alcohol consumption.
Special Advise
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If you are elderly, a smoker, had a stroke previously, or have high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol, please inform your doctor as these conditions may increase the risk of heart problems.
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Do not take more than the prescribed dose as it may cause a Ketoprofen overdose and lead to symptoms such as heartburn, stomach upset, unconsciousness, dizziness, ringing or buzzing in ears, fits, fainting, diarrhea, or excitation.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Osteoarthritis: It is a degenerative joint disease in which the two ends of the joints come together due to the breakdown of a protective covering of cartilage. Due to the absence of this protective covering, the joints rub against each other, leading to pain and stiffness. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain, stiffness, inflammation, and tenderness. The main reason for osteoarthritis is age; the older you are, the more likely you could get osteoarthritis, thus known as degenerative disease, meaning that the joints wear out as a person ages. Other reasons include past injuries of torn cartilage, dislocated joints, and ligaments.
Rheumatoid arthritis: It is an auto-immune disease (the body's immune system attacks its tissue) which leads to joint pain and damage. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include pain, swelling, stiffness, deformities, and loss of joint function.
Ankylosing spondylitis: It causes pain and stiffness in the spine. The pain usually starts in the lower back and can spread to the neck, damaged joints, or other parts of the body. Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis include decreased flexibility which usually leads to a hunched-forward posture, and pain, the back, and joints.
FAQs
Ketoprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or pain reliever. It works by blocking the release of certain chemical messengers that cause fever, pain, and inflammation (redness and swelling).
Ketoprofen, when taken by patients who are allergic to painkillers or NSAIDs, can be harmful. It should also be avoided in a person with a history of heart failure, asthma, kidney or liver disease, stomach ulcers, and high blood pressure.
No, you are not recommended to take Ketoprofen with warfarin as co-administration of these two medicines may increase the risk of bleeding more easily. However, if you notice blood in urine or stools, dizziness, unusual bleeding or bruising, vomiting, weakness, or headache, please consult a doctor immediately. If you are supposed to use these medicines together, you are advised to contact your doctor so that the dose may be adjusted appropriately to use safely.
Yes, Ketoprofen can be used to treat menstrual cramps. Ketoprofen is a pain killer that decreases pain and inflammation-inducing chemical messenger known as prostaglandin (PG) production in the body that makes the uterus (womb) contract during periods.
No, Ketoprofen may increase the risk of heart problems such as heart attack and stroke, especially when used in high doses or for a prolonged duration. It is advised to inform your doctor if you have any of these conditions or have a history of heart problems or stroke before taking Ketoprofen. However, taking Ketoprofen in the dose and for a duration, as prescribed by your doctor, is recommended. It should not be used if you have had recent heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft - CABG).
No, Ketoprofen should not be taken as a long-term medication as it may lead to stomach ulcers/bleeding and kidney problems. For the best results of Ketoprofen, take it in doses and duration mentioned by your doctor.
Ketoprofen cause an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse events, including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. These events can occur at any time during use and without warning symptoms. Elderly patients are at greater risk for gastrointestinal bleeding problems. Please consult your doctor. Your doctor can limit the dose.
No, Ketoprofen may worsen your condition if you have preexisting/ history of asthma. Hence, it should be used with care. Let your doctor know if you have had any asthma problems. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Ketoprofen.
