Ketoprofen
About Ketoprofen
Ketoprofen is a prescription medication used to relieve pain, swelling, and joint stiffness. It is primarily prescribed to treat the symptoms of arthritis and other painful inflammatory conditions. By targeting the source of swelling, this medication helps make movement easier and more comfortable.
For the best results, you should take this medicine consistently and exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is usually taken with food or milk to help protect your stomach. Along with taking this medication, maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in gentle joint exercises can help improve your overall mobility.
While taking Ketoprofen, some people may experience mild stomach irritation, nausea, or indigestion. These are common and often manageable, but you should contact your doctor immediately if you notice more serious signs like severe abdominal pain or black, tarry stools. Always watch for any unusual changes in your body while using this medication.
Do not take this if you have a history of severe allergic reactions to aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs. It is also important to talk to your doctor before starting this medicine if you have a history of stomach ulcers, heart disease, high blood pressure, or kidney issues.
This medicine can interact with blood thinners, certain blood pressure drugs, and other anti-inflammatory medicines. You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking it, as this increases the risk of stomach bleeding. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or are an elderly individual, consult your doctor before starting Ketoprofen to ensure it is safe for you.
Uses of Ketoprofen
• Pain Relief: Ketoprofen is widely used to relieve mild to moderate pain, including headaches, menstrual cramps, toothaches, and muscle aches, offering effective comfort.
• Anti-Inflammatory: Ketoprofen reduces inflammation and swelling associated with various conditions such as arthritis and injuries, supporting recovery and mobility.
• Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis: Ketoprofen plays a role in managing chronic pain and improving joint function as part of treatment plans for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Gouty Arthritis: Ketoprofen alleviates joint pain triggered by uric acid buildup.
• Management of Ankylosing Spondylitis: Ketoprofen manages inflammation in the spine and large joints.
• Menstrual Pain Relief: Ketoprofen offers considerable relief from pelvic pain during menstrual cycles and may be suggested for those with severe menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea).
Medicinal Benefits
Ketoprofen helps relieve pain, swelling, and inflammation caused by arthritis, injuries, and other painful conditions, making it easier to stay active and comfortable.
The following are the benefits of Ketoprofen:
- Helps relieve pain and inflammation effectively.
- Reduces swelling and stiffness in affected joints and muscles.
- Improves mobility and makes everyday activities more comfortable.
- Supports recovery from sprains, strains, and other minor injuries.
- Promotes better physical function and an active lifestyle.
- Provides long-lasting relief to help improve overall quality of life.
Directions for Use
- Swallow the tablet or capsule whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break it, as this can increase stomach irritation.
- Take this medicine with food, milk, or an antacid to help protect your stomach lining from upset.
- Do not lie down for at least 15 to 30 minutes after taking this medicine to prevent throat irritation.
- Always follow your doctor's exact instructions regarding how often and how long to take this medication.
Storage
Side Effects of Ketoprofen
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Indigestion, mild heartburn, or upset stomach
- Nausea or mild stomach pain
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or mild headache
- Mild diarrhoea or constipation
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Black, tarry, or bloody stools, or vomiting blood
- Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or rapid weight gain with swelling in your ankles or feet
- Yellowing of your skin or eyes, which may indicate liver damage
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as a skin rash, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, and throat
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Inform your healthcare provider: Tell your doctor, surgeon, anesthesiologist, or dentist that you are taking this medicine before any medical or dental procedure. It can affect blood clotting and may increase the risk of bleeding.
- Avoid taking other pain relievers: Do not take this medicine with other NSAID pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, or with aspirin unless your doctor tells you to. Taking them together can increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding.
- Check your blood pressure: Monitor your blood pressure regularly while taking this medicine, especially if you have high blood pressure. This medicine may cause a slight increase in blood pressure in some people.
- Use with caution if you have asthma: Tell your doctor if you have asthma before using this medicine. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice wheezing, shortness of breath, or worsening breathing problems.
- Get emergency help for serious symptoms: Stop taking this medicine and seek emergency medical care immediately if you develop sudden chest pain, slurred speech, or weakness on one side of your body.
- Do not use around heart bypass surgery: Do not take this medicine before or after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery unless your doctor specifically tells you to. It can increase the risk of serious heart-related complications.
- Avoid use during pregnancy: Do not take this medicine during the third trimester of pregnancy. It may harm your unborn baby and increase the risk of complications during pregnancy or delivery.
- Not usually for children: This medicine is generally not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age. It should only be used if prescribed by a paediatrician.
Drug Interactions
- Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin): May significantly increase the risk of serious stomach and intestinal bleeding.
- Blood pressure medicines (e.g., lisinopril, furosemide): May become less effective, and combining them can increase the risk of kidney damage.
- Mood stabilisers (e.g., lithium): Taking lithium alongside Ketoprofen may increase lithium levels in the body and may increase the risk of serious side effects.
- Immunosuppressants (e.g, methotrexate): Taking methotrexate alongside Ketoprofen may increase methotrexate levels in the body and may increase the risk of toxicity.
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
- Stay well hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help support healthy kidney function while taking this medication.
- Choose low-impact exercise: Stay active with gentle activities such as swimming or cycling to help maintain joint flexibility while reducing stress on your joints.
- Eat anti-inflammatory foods: Include foods such as leafy green vegetables, berries, and omega-3-rich options like fish or walnuts to support overall joint health.
- Avoid alcohol: Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine, as it can increase the risk of stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Quit smoking: If you smoke, speak with your doctor about quitting, as smoking can worsen joint inflammation and raise the risk of stomach-related complications.
Special Advise
- If you are elderly, a smoker, have 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.
- Please 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 the ears, fits, fainting, diarrhoea, 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 are to get osteoarthritis, thus known as a 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 autoimmune 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 in the back and joints.
FAQs
Ketoprofen is 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, toothache, and menstrual cramps.
Ketoprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) 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, which 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 prescribed dose and for the recommended duration 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 causes 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 a 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.
It is highly recommended to take Ketoprofen with food, milk, or an antacid. Taking it on an empty stomach increases the risk of experiencing indigestion, heartburn, or stomach upset. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have persistent stomach discomfort.
Ketoprofen should not be used during the third trimester of pregnancy because it can seriously harm the unborn baby and cause complications during delivery. During the first or second trimester, it should only be used if your doctor determines that the benefits outweigh the risks. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, talk to your doctor before taking Ketoprofen.
Yes, you can generally take paracetamol alongside Ketoprofen if recommended by a healthcare professional, as they work differently to relieve pain. However, do not combine Ketoprofen with other NSAIDs like ibuprofen. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before combining pain medications.
Drowsiness is not a common side effect of Ketoprofen, but some people may experience dizziness or lightheadedness. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Talk to your doctor if you experience ongoing dizziness.
No, you should avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine. Combining the two significantly increases your risk of developing stomach ulcers or serious gastrointestinal bleeding. Talk to your doctor if you need advice on managing alcohol use.
Yes, like many anti-inflammatory medicines, Ketoprofen can cause your body to hold onto excess fluid, which may raise your blood pressure. If you already have high blood pressure, you should monitor it regularly. Talk to your doctor if you notice any unusual readings.
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