Medications and Drugs
Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
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.
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