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.
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.
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.
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.
There are many causes of back pain. Pain in the low back can relate to the bony lumbar spine, discs between the vertebrae, ligaments around the spine and discs, spinal cord and nerves, muscles of the low back, internal organs of the pelvis and abdomen, and the skin covering the lumbar area.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints, the tissue around the joints, as well as other organs in the body. Because it can affect multiple other organs of the body, rheumatoid arthritis is referred to as a systemic illness and is sometimes called rheumatoid disease.
The knee joint is composed of three compartments and ligaments which stabilize the joint. Causes of knee pain may include injury, degeneration, infrequently infection and rarely bone tumors. Although routine x-rays do not revel meniscus tears, they can be used to exclude other problems of the bones and tissues. The knee joint is the most commonly involved joint in rheumatic disease, as well as immune diseases that affect various tissues of the body.
Menstrual cramps (pain in the belly and pelvic area) are experienced by women as a result of menses. Menstrual cramps are not the same as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Menstrual cramps are common, and may be accompanied by headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea. Severity of menstrual cramp pain varies from woman to woman. Treatment includes OTC or prescription pain relief medication.
Foot pain may be caused by injuries (sprains, strains, bruises, and fractures), diseases (diabetes, Hansen disease, and gout), viruses, fungi, and bacteria (plantar warts and athlete's foot), or even ingrown toenails. Pain and tenderness may be accompanied by joint looseness, swelling, weakness, discoloration, and loss of function. Minor foot pain can usually be treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation and OTC medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Severe pain should be treated by a medical professional.
Elbow pain is most often the result of tendinitis, which can affect the inner or outer elbow. Treatment includes ice, rest, and medication for inflammation. Inflammation, redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, and decreased range of motion are other symptoms associated with elbow pain. Treatment for elbow pain depends upon the nature of the patient's underlying disease or condition.
Ankle pain is commonly due to a sprain or tendinitis. The severity of ankle sprains ranges from mild (which can resolve within 24 hours) to severe (which can require surgical repair). Tendinitis of the ankle can be caused by trauma or inflammation.
Neck pain (cervical pain) may be caused by any number of disorders and diseases. Tenderness is another symptom of neck pain. Though treatment for neck pain really depends upon the cause, treatment typically may involve heat/ice application, traction, physical therapy, cortisone injection, topical anesthetic creams, and muscle relaxants.
Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis caused by inflammation, breakdown, and eventual loss of
cartilage in the joints. Also known as degenerative arthritis. Osteoarthritis
can be caused by aging, heredity, and injury from trauma or disease.
Pain management and treatment can be simple or complex, according to its cause. There are two basic types of pain, nociceptive pain and neuropathic pain. Some causes of neuropathic pain includes: complex regional pain syndrome, interstitial cystitis, and irritable bowel syndrome. There are a variety of methods to treat chronic pain, which are dependant on the type of pain experienced.
Chronic pain is pain (an unpleasant sense of discomfort) that persists or progresses over a long period of time. In contrast to acute pain that arises suddenly in response to a specific injury and is usually treatable, chronic pain persists over time and is often resistant to medical treatments.
Menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms include abdominal cramping, bloating, a feeling of fullness, abdominal pain, mood swings, anxiety and more. Treatment for menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms include regular sleep, exercise, smoking cessation, diet changes, and OTC or prescription medication depending on the severity of the condition.
Becoming infected with chickenpox during pregnancy could cause birth defects in your unborn child. Likewise, shingles could also cause problems for your unborn child. If you are pregnant and haven't had chickenpox, avoid exposure to infected people. Zostavax, the shingles vaccine, can reduce the incidence of shingles by half. Women should wait at least three months after receiving the vaccine before trying to get pregnant.
Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed medications for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. Examples of NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and more. One common side effect of NSAIDs is peptic ulcer (ulcers of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum). Side effects, drug interactions, warnings and precautions, and patient safety information should be reviewed prior to taking NSAIDs.
What are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)?
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly prescribed medications for the inflammation of arthritis and other body tissues, such as in
tendinitis and bursitis. The are also used for minor aches and pain.
Examples of NSAIDs include:
aspirin,
indomethacin (Indocin),
ibuprofen (Motrin),
naproxen (Naprosyn),
piroxicam (Feldene),
nabumetone (Relafen), and
Celecoxib (Celebrex).
NSAIDs are available by prescription or without a prescription (over-the-counter). They are also ingredients in many over the counter medications used for
colds and minor aches and
pain. They are administered orally as capsules, tablets, liquids, or by
injection ketorolac
(Toradol). Although not included in this review, NSAIDs are also used as eye drops for eye inflammation (f...
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