ketoprofen None (Note: previous brand names no longer available in the US include Orudis, Oruvail)

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Pharmacy Author:

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.

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Medical and Pharmacy Editor:

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

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GENERIC NAME: ketoprofen

BRAND NAMES: None (Note: previous brand names no longer available in the US include Orudis, Oruvail)

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Ketoprofen is an oral drug that belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other members of this class include ibuprofen (Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), naproxen (Aleve) and many others. These drugs are used for the management of mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation. They work by reducing the levels of prostaglandins, chemicals that are responsible for pain, fever, and inflammation. Ketoprofen reduces prostaglandins by blocking the enzyme that makes them (cyclooxygenase). As a consequence, inflammation, pain and fever are reduced.

PRESCRIPTION: Yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

PREPARATIONS: Capsules (immediate release): 50, 75 mg; Capsules (extended-release): 100, 150, 200 mg

STORAGE: Ketoprofen should be stored in a sealed container at room temperature, 15-30 C (59-86 F) avoiding moisture and protected from excessive heat.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Ketoprofen is used for the treatment of inflammation and pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It also is used for menstrual cramps and mild to moderate pain of many causes. Extended release capsules are not used for acute pain because they do not begin working as quickly as the immediate release capsules.

DOSING: The usual starting dose of ketoprofen is 50 or 75 mg with immediate release capsules every 6 to 8 hours or 200 mg with extended release capsules once daily. The maximum dose is 300 mg daily of immediate release capsules or 200 mg daily of extended release capsules. Ketoprofen should be taken with food in order to avoid stomach upset.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Ketoprofen may increase the blood levels of lithium (Eskalith) by reducing the excretion of lithium by the kidneys which may lead to lithium toxicity.

Ketoprofen may reduce the blood pressure lowering effects of blood pressure medications. This occurs because prostaglandins play a role in reducing blood pressure.

When NSAIDs are combined with methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall) or aminoglycosides (for example, gentamicin) the blood levels of methotrexate or aminoglycoside may increase because the elimination of methotrexate and aminoglycosides is reduced. This may lead to more methotrexate or aminoglycoside side effects.

Individuals taking blood thinners or anticoagulants, for example, warfarin (Coumadin), should avoid ketoprofen because ketoprofen also thins the blood, and excessive blood thinning may lead to bleeding.

Persons who have more than three alcoholic beverages per day are at increased risk of developing stomach ulcers when taking ketoprofen or other NSAIDs.

PREGNANCY: There are no adequate studies of ketoprofen in pregnant women. Therefore, ketoprofen is not recommended during pregnancy.

NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known whether ketoprofen is excreted in breast milk.

SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects from ketoprofen are rash, ringing in the ears, headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, retention of fluid and shortness of breath.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.