What is Ketoprofen: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Ketoprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps reduce pain, inflammation, and fever. It belongs to the same family of medications as ibuprofen and naproxen, but it's considered a moderately strong option that your doctor might prescribe when over-the-counter pain relievers aren't providing enough relief.

This medication works by blocking certain enzymes in your body that cause inflammation and pain. Think of it as putting a gentle brake on your body's inflammatory response, which helps you feel more comfortable while your body heals.

What is Ketoprofen Used For?

Ketoprofen is primarily prescribed to treat pain and inflammation from various conditions. Your doctor might recommend it when you're dealing with moderate to severe discomfort that affects your daily activities.

The most common conditions ketoprofen helps with include arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It can significantly reduce the joint pain, stiffness, and swelling that make simple tasks feel overwhelming.

You might also receive ketoprofen for acute injuries like sprains, strains, or muscle pulls. It's particularly helpful for sports injuries or workplace accidents where inflammation is causing significant pain.

Some doctors prescribe ketoprofen for menstrual cramps, dental pain after procedures, or other types of acute pain where inflammation plays a major role. In rare cases, it might be used for certain types of headaches or back pain when other treatments haven't worked well.

How Does Ketoprofen Work?

Ketoprofen works by blocking enzymes called cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2) in your body. These enzymes are responsible for producing chemicals called prostaglandins, which trigger inflammation, pain, and fever.

When you take ketoprofen, it essentially tells these enzymes to slow down their production of prostaglandins. This leads to less inflammation in the affected area, which means less pain and swelling for you.

As a moderately strong NSAID, ketoprofen is more potent than over-the-counter options like ibuprofen but generally gentler than some of the stronger prescription anti-inflammatory medications. It typically starts working within 30 minutes to 2 hours, with peak effects occurring around 1 to 2 hours after taking it.

The anti-inflammatory effects can last 6 to 8 hours, which is why most people take it 2 to 3 times per day. Your body processes and eliminates ketoprofen through your liver and kidneys over the course of several hours.

How Should I Take Ketoprofen?

Take ketoprofen exactly as your doctor prescribes, usually with food or milk to protect your stomach. Never take more than the recommended dose, as this increases your risk of serious side effects without providing better pain relief.

The typical adult dose ranges from 50 to 75 mg taken 3 to 4 times daily, but your doctor will determine the right amount based on your specific condition and response to treatment. Some people need as little as 25 mg three times daily, while others might require up to 300 mg per day in divided doses.

Taking ketoprofen with food is especially important because it helps prevent stomach irritation and ulcers. A light snack, glass of milk, or meal works well. Avoid taking it on an empty stomach unless your doctor specifically tells you otherwise.

Swallow the capsules or tablets whole with a full glass of water. Don't crush, chew, or break them open, as this can affect how the medication is released in your body. If you have trouble swallowing pills, talk to your doctor about liquid alternatives.

How Long Should I Take Ketoprofen For?

The length of ketoprofen treatment depends on your specific condition and how well you respond to the medication. For acute injuries or short-term pain, you might only need it for a few days to a couple of weeks.

If you're dealing with chronic conditions like arthritis, your doctor might prescribe ketoprofen for longer periods. However, they'll want to monitor you regularly and use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible to minimize potential side effects.

For acute pain from injuries or dental procedures, most people take ketoprofen for 3 to 7 days. Your doctor will likely suggest stopping once your pain and inflammation are under control.

Never suddenly stop taking ketoprofen if you've been using it for weeks or months without talking to your doctor first. While it's not addictive, stopping abruptly after long-term use might cause your original symptoms to return more intensely.

What Are the Side Effects of Ketoprofen?

Like all medications, ketoprofen can cause side effects, though many people tolerate it well when used appropriately. Understanding what to watch for helps you use this medication safely and know when to contact your doctor.

The most common side effects you might experience are related to your digestive system. These usually occur because ketoprofen can irritate the lining of your stomach and intestines:

• Stomach upset, heartburn, or nausea
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Stomach pain or cramping
• Loss of appetite
• Dizziness or headache
• Drowsiness or fatigue

These common side effects often improve as your body adjusts to the medication, especially if you consistently take it with food.

More serious side effects require immediate medical attention, though they're less common. Contact your doctor right away if you experience:

• Signs of stomach bleeding like black, tarry stools or vomiting blood
• Severe stomach pain that doesn't improve
• Difficulty breathing or wheezing
• Swelling in your face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Chest pain or rapid heartbeat
• Sudden severe headache or vision changes

Rare but serious side effects include liver problems, kidney damage, and severe allergic reactions. Your doctor will monitor you for these, especially if you're taking ketoprofen long-term.

Who Should Not Take Ketoprofen?

Certain people should avoid ketoprofen due to increased risks of serious complications. Your doctor will carefully review your medical history before prescribing this medication.

You should not take ketoprofen if you're allergic to it or other NSAIDs like aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Signs of NSAID allergy include hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face or throat.

People with active stomach ulcers or a history of bleeding in the digestive tract should avoid ketoprofen, as it can worsen these conditions and potentially cause life-threatening bleeding.

If you have severe heart failure, kidney disease, or liver disease, ketoprofen might not be safe for you. These conditions affect how your body processes the medication and increase the risk of serious side effects.

Pregnant women, especially in the third trimester, should not take ketoprofen as it can harm the developing baby and affect labor and delivery. If you're breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

People scheduled for heart bypass surgery should stop taking ketoprofen at least a week before the procedure, as it can increase bleeding risk and interfere with healing.

Ketoprofen Brand Names

Ketoprofen is available under several brand names, though the generic version contains the same active ingredient and works just as effectively. The most common brand name is Orudis, which was widely prescribed for many years.

Other brand names include Oruvail, which is an extended-release formulation that allows for once-daily dosing. Actron was another brand name, though it's less commonly available now.

You might also find ketoprofen in topical forms under names like Fastum Gel or other regional brands, though these are applied to the skin rather than taken orally.

Whether you receive brand-name or generic ketoprofen, the medication works the same way. Generic versions are typically more affordable and just as effective as brand-name options.

Ketoprofen Alternatives

If ketoprofen isn't right for you or isn't providing adequate relief, several alternatives might work better for your specific situation. Your doctor can help you explore these options based on your medical history and treatment goals.

Other NSAIDs like diclofenac, naproxen, or celecoxib might be suitable alternatives. Each has slightly different properties and side effect profiles, so switching might help if you're experiencing unwanted effects.

For people who can't take NSAIDs at all, acetaminophen (Tylenol) provides pain relief without the anti-inflammatory effects. While it doesn't reduce swelling, it can be effective for many types of pain.

Topical pain relievers like diclofenac gel or capsaicin cream might work well for localized pain, especially in joints or muscles. These medications have fewer systemic side effects since they're applied directly to the affected area.

In some cases, your doctor might recommend physical therapy, heat/cold therapy, or other non-medication approaches either alone or in combination with pain relievers.

Is Ketoprofen Better Than Ibuprofen?

Ketoprofen and ibuprofen are both effective NSAIDs, but they have some important differences that might make one better suited for your particular situation. Neither is universally "better" than the other.

Ketoprofen is generally considered slightly more potent than ibuprofen, meaning it might provide better pain relief for moderate to severe inflammation. Some people find ketoprofen more effective for conditions like arthritis or sports injuries.

However, ibuprofen is available over-the-counter and has been used safely by millions of people for decades. It's often the first choice for mild to moderate pain and inflammation because of its well-established safety profile.

Ketoprofen typically requires a prescription and may have a slightly higher risk of stomach irritation compared to ibuprofen. Your doctor will consider your specific condition, medical history, and response to other medications when deciding which is better for you.

Some people who don't get adequate relief from over-the-counter ibuprofen find that prescription ketoprofen works better, while others prefer the convenience and lower cost of ibuprofen.