Ketoprofen is a drug to relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness due to injury, arthritis (arthritis), and menstrual pain. Keroprofenbelongs to the class of drugs non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and should only be used according to a doctor's prescription.
Ketoprofen works by blocking enzymes cyclooxygenase (COX), which is an enzyme in charge of producing prostaglandins. That way, prostaglandin levels can go down and complaints can subside. Prostaglandins are chemicals associated with the onset of fever, pain, or inflammation, when the body is damaged or injured.
Ketoprofen trademark: Altofen, Kaltrofen, Kefentech, Nasaflam, Profika, Pronalges, Rhetoflam
What is Ketoprofen
| Category | Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) |
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Benefit | Relieves inflammation and pain |
| Used by | Mature |
| Ketoprofen for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Category D: When the gestational age is in the third trimester, there is positive evidence of a risk to the human fetus. This drug should also not be used in late pregnancy, because it can cause delays in labor and increase the risk of bleeding in the pregnant woman and fetus. However, the magnitude of the benefits may outweigh the risks, for example to cope with a life-threatening situation. It is not known whether this drug can be absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without telling your doctor. |
| Drug form | Tablets, injections, suppositories, plasters and gels |
Warnings Before Using Ketoprofen:
Ketoprofen should not be used carelessly. Before using this drug, you need to pay attention to the following:
- Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to ketoprofen or other NSAIDs, such as aspirin, naproxen, or ibuprofen.
- Tell your doctor your medical history, especially if you have ulcers, asthma, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, nasal polyps, stroke, hypertension, gastrointestinal bleeding, anemia, or blood clotting disorders.
- Tell your doctor if you are going or have recently had bypass surgery. Ketoprofen should not be used in these conditions.
- Do not drink alcohol or smoke while taking ketoprofen, as this can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements or herbal products.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun while taking ketoprofen or use sunscreen if you are outdoors, as this medicine can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, a more serious side effect, or an overdose, after using ketoprofen.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Ketoprofen
The dose of ketoprofen given by the doctor may vary, depending on the age, condition of the patient, and the severity of the pain. Below is a breakdown of the general dosages of ketoprofen for adults:
Condition: Pain in bones, muscles, or joints, due to arthritis, ankylosing spondylitisbursitis, or pain after orthopedic surgery.
- Regular tablet form
50 mg 4 times a day or 75 mg 3 times a day. The maximum dose is 300 mg per day.
- Slow release tablet form
100–200 mg once a day. The maximum dose is 200 mg per day.
Condition: Dysmenorrhea
- Regular tablet form
25–60 mg 3-4 times daily, as needed.
- Slow release tablet form
100–200 mg once a day.
Condition: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- Suppository form
100 mg 1-2 times a day. The maximum dose is 200 mg per day.
Condition: Pain in certain body parts
- 2.5% gel form
Apply 2–4 times a day, for 7 days.
- Medicinal plaster form
Apply 1 plaster to the area in need 2 times a day.
How to Use Ketoprofen Correctly
Be sure to read the instructions on the medicine package and follow the doctor's recommendations for using ketoprofen. Ketoprofen injection will be given by a doctor or medical officer on the doctor's instructions.
Ketoprofen gel is used by applying it to the sore or inflamed area, then massaging it until it is absorbed. Meanwhile, ketoprofen in the form of a plaster needs to be attached to the part of the body that needs it.
Ketoprofen tablets need to be taken with a glass of water or as directed by a doctor. To prevent stomach upset, take the drug with food or milk. Swallow the ketoprofen tablet whole and do not crush the tablet.
Meanwhile, ketoprofen in the form of suppositories needs to be inserted into the rectum. Insert the sharper part first into the anus.
After the medicine has been in, sit or lie down for 15 minutes to allow the medicine to dissolve. Do not have a bowel movement for at least 2 hours after using the medicine.
This medicine can increase blood pressure, so check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if your blood pressure is high.
Store ketoprofen in a cool place away from direct sunlight. Keep medicine out of reach of children.
Ketoprofen Interactions with Other Drugs
There are a number of drug interactions that can occur if ketoprofen is used in combination with other drugs, including:
- Decreased effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs
- Increased risk of side effects from digoxin, lithium, or methotrexate
- Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding if used with other NSAIDs, corticosteroids, SSRI-type antidepressants, or anticoagulants, such as warfarin and heparin
- Increased risk of heart failure when used with cardiac glycoside drugs
- Increased risk of hyperkalemia and renal failure when used with ACE inhibitors, diuretics, ciclosporin, tacrolimus, or trimethoprim
Side Effects and Dangers of Ketoprofen
Some of the side effects that may arise after using ketoprofen are:
- Gastric pains
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Headache or dizziness
- Feeling sleepy
- Loss of appetite
Tell your doctor if the above symptoms do not improve or if they get worse. Immediately see a doctor if there is an allergic reaction to the drug which can be characterized by swelling of the lips and eyelids, skin rashes, or difficulty breathing.
In addition, although it is rare, you should also see a doctor immediately if you experience more serious side effects:
- Faint
- Confused or sad constantly
- Ears ringing
- Persistent or severe headache
- Heart beat
- Easy bruising
- Jaundice