GENERIC NAME: ketoprofen
BRAND NAMES: Orudis, Oruvail
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Ketoprofen is a nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) effective in treating fever, pain, and
inflammation in the body. As a group, NSAIDs are non-narcotic relievers of mild
to moderate pain of many causes, including injury, menstrual cramps,
arthritis, and other musculoskeletal conditions. Since the
response to
different NSAIDs varies from patient to patient, it is not
unusual for a
doctor to try different NSAIDs for any given condition.
PRESCRIPTION: yes; except for 12.5mg dose
GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes
PREPARATIONS: capsules: 12.5mg, 25mg, 50mg, 75mg;
Oruvail
(extended-release capsules): 100mg, 150mg, 200mg
STORAGE: Store at room temperature, sealed container,
avoid
moisture. Protect from excessive heat.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Ketoprofen is used for the treatment of
inflammation and pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis and
osteoarthritis,
as well as soft tissue injuries, such as tendinitis and
bursitis. Orudis
is immediately released into the blood and is also used for
rapid relief
of mild to moderate pain and menstrual cramps. Oruvail is
slowly released
into the blood and is generally not useful in situations where
prompt pain
relief is desired.
DOSING: Should be taken with food.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Ketoprofen should be avoided by
patients with
a history of asthma attacks, hives, or other allergic reactions
to aspirin
or other NSAIDs. Rare but severe allergic reactions have been
reported in
such individuals. It also should be avoided by patients with
peptic ulcer
disease or poor kidney function, since this medication can
aggravate both
conditions.
Ketoprofen is generally used with caution in patients taking
blood
thinning medications (anticoagulants), such as warfarin (Coumadin),
because of an increased risk of bleeding. Patients taking
cyclosporine (Sandimmune) can develop kidney toxicity. Probenecid (Benemid),
used to
reduce elevated uric acid levels, can cause ketoprofen blood
levels to
elevate. Simultaneous use is therefore avoided.
Ketoprofen is not recommended in children as it has not been
adequately
studied in younger patients. Ketoprofen is not habit forming.
NSAIDs
should be discontinued prior to elective surgery because of a
mild
tendency to interfere with blood clotting. Ketoprofen is best
discontinued
at least two days in advance of the procedure.
Persons who have more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day are at
increased risk of developing stomach ulcers when taking
ketoprofen or
other NSAIDs.
PREGNANCY: Ketoprofen is generally avoided during
pregnancy.
NURSING MOTHERS: Ketoprofen is generally avoided in
nursing
mothers.
SIDE EFFECTS: Most patients benefit from ketoprofen and
other NSAIDs with few side effects. However, serious side effects can occur, and
generally tend to be dose related. Therefore, it is often desirable to use the
lowest effective dose to minimize side effects. The most common side effects of
ketoprofen involve the gastrointestinal system. It can cause ulcerations,
abdominal burning, pain, cramping, nausea, gastritis, and even serious
gastrointestinal bleeding and liver toxicity. Sometimes, stomach ulceration and
bleeding can occur without any abdominal pain. Black tarry stools, weakness, and
dizziness upon standing may be the only signs of internal bleeding. Rash, kidney impairment, ringing in
the ears,
and lightheadedness can also occur.
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From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
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Back to Medications IndexLast Editorial Review: 12/31/1997
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