ketoprofen
Ketoprofen is a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for adults. It comes as immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (ER) capsules. This medication treats pain and inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). The IR capsules can also help treat general mild-to-moderate pain and pain from menstrual cramps. While the IR capsules are taken by mouth up to four times per day, the ER capsule is taken once every day. The dosage depends on the pain condition you have. The most common ketoprofen side effects are indigestion, stomach pain, and nausea.
What is Ketoprofen?
What is Ketoprofen used for?
Mild-to-moderate pain - immediate-release capsules only
Menstrual cramps - immediate-release capsules only
How Ketoprofen works
Ketoprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It helps reduce pain and swelling by blocking proteins in the body called cyclooxygenase (COX).
Drug Facts
More on Ketoprofen essentials
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What are the side effects of Ketoprofen?
Common Side Effects
- Indigestion (11%)
- Nausea (up to 9%)
- Stomach pain (up to 9%)
- Diarrhea (up to 9%)
- Constipation (up to 9%)
- Passing gas (up to 9%)
- Headache (up to 9%)
Other Side Effects
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
- Trouble sleeping
- Ringing in the ears
- Changes to vision
- Rash
- Anemia
- Signs or symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI)
Serious Side Effects
- Stomach bleeding: feeling faint, vomiting blood, bloody or dark stools, severe stomach pain or discomfort
- Heart attack: chest pain or tightness; pain that spreads to your shoulder, arm, neck, or jaw; sweating
- Stroke: difficulty breathing, weakness on one side of your body or face, blurred vision, slurred speech, severe headache
- Heart failure: difficulty breathing, swelling, sudden weight gain, tiredness, dizziness
- Kidney problems: urinating less than usual, foamy or bloody urine, muscle cramps, low appetite, tiredness, dry and itchy skin
- Serious allergic reaction or serious skin reaction: hives, rash, blisters, skin reddening, peeling skin, swelling of the face, swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing
Source: DailyMed
The following side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Abdominal pain
bloody urine
decreased frequency or amount of urine
headache
increased blood pressure
increased thirst
loss of appetite
lower back or side pain
swelling of face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
troubled breathing
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting
Less common
Bladder pain
cloudy urine
difficult, burning, or painful urination
frequent urge to urinate
rash
swelling or inflammation of the mouth
Rare
Back pain
bleeding from rectum
bleeding gums
blistering, peeling, loosening of skin
blood in vomit
bloody nose
bloody, black, or tarry stools
blurred vision
body aches or pain
burning feeling in chest or stomach
burning, dry or itching eyes
change in color of eye
chills
clay-colored stools
cold hands and feet
coma
confusion
congestion
convulsions
cough or hoarseness
coughing or spitting up blood
cracks in the skin
dark urine
decreased urination
decreased vision or other changes in vision
difficult or labored breathing
difficulty swallowing
dilated neck veins
discharge, excessive tearing
dryness or soreness of throat
extreme fatigue
fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
feeling faint, dizzy, or lightheadedness
feeling of warmth or heat
fever with or without chills
flushing or redness of skin, especially on face and neck
general tiredness and weakness
hives or welts
increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight
indigestion
joint or muscle pain
light-colored stools
loss of heat from the body
muscle pain or cramps
nervousness
noisy breathing
pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
pale skin
pinpoint red or purple spots on skin
pounding in the ears
problems with bleeding or clotting
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips or tongue
red skin lesions, often with a purple center
red, irritated eyes
red, swollen skin
redness or other discoloration of skin
redness or soreness around fingernails or loosening of the fingernails
redness, pain, swelling of eye, eyelid, or inner lining of eyelid
severe abdominal cramping
severe or continuing stomach pain
severe sunburn
shortness of breath
skin rash, encrusted, scaly and oozing
slow heartbeat
slow or irregular breathing
sores, ulcers, or white spots on lips or in mouth
stomach pain or upset
sweating
swelling of face, ankles, or hands
tender, swollen glands in neck
tenderness in stomach area
tightness in chest
trouble in swallowing
troubled breathing with exertion
unpleasant breath odor
unusual bleeding or bruising
upper right abdominal pain
voice changes
vomiting of blood
vomiting of material that looks like coffee grounds, severe and continuing
yellow eyes or skin
Symptoms of overdose
Dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly
fast or shallow breathing
pain or discomfort in chest, upper stomach, or throat
unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness or feeling of sluggishness
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Acid or sour stomach
belching
bloated
discouragement
dreams
excess air or gas in stomach or intestines
excitation
feeling sad or empty
full feeling
general feeling of discomfort or illness
irritability
lack of appetite
loss of interest or pleasure
passing gas
sleepiness
trouble concentrating
trouble sleeping
unable to sleep
Less common
Continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in ears
disturbed color perception
double vision
halos around lights
hearing loss
loss of vision
night blindness
overbright appearance of lights
tunnel vision
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pros and cons of Ketoprofen
Pros
Available as both immediate-release and extended-release capsules
Taken by mouth with or without food
Cons
Can cause stomach upset
Has a good number of safety risks, such as kidney, heart, and bleeding problems
Pharmacist tips for Ketoprofen
You can take ketoprofen with or without food, but be consistent. Taking with food or milk can help prevent getting an upset stomach (a common side effect). But food might also make the medication take a little longer to work.
Don't crush, chew, or open the ketoprofen capsules. Contact your prescriber if you're having trouble swallowing the pills whole. You might need to switch to a different medication.
Avoid alcohol while you're taking ketoprofen. Alcohol can raise your risk for stomach upset, stomach ulcers, and stomach bleeds. Talk with your healthcare team if you need help lowering how much you drink. They can suggest resources to help you stop drinking or find other ways to manage your pain.
Ketoprofen can raise the risk for stomach bleeding. Get medical help right away if you have severe stomach pain that doesn't go away or blood in your vomit or stool.
Ketoprofen might raise your blood pressure. You might need to check your blood pressure at home more often if you already have high blood pressure. Let your primary care provider know if it stays higher than usual. You might need some treatment changes to help manage your blood pressure better.
Don't take ketoprofen with aspirin or other NSAIDs, like ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), without talking to a healthcare professional first. Taking more than one NSAID at the same time raises your risk of stomach bleeding. Ask a healthcare professional or pharmacist if you're not sure whether you're already taking an NSAID. NSAIDs are common in over-the-counter pain and cold medications.
Tell your prescriber and pharmacist about all the medications you take or plan to take. Ketoprofen can interact with many medications, like blood pressure medications and blood thinners (including aspirin). These interactions can make your medications work less well or raise the risk of side effects. Your care team can check whether your medications are safe to take together.
If you're pregnant, talk to your prescriber about pain medications that are safe for you. The FDA recommends avoiding NSAIDs like ketoprofen during the second half of pregnancy because they might harm your unborn baby. It's not clear how safe ketoprofen is in the earlier stages of pregnancy either.
Frequently asked questions about Ketoprofen
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What are the risks and warnings for Ketoprofen?
Ketoprofen can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk for stomach ulcers and stomach bleeding
Risk factors: Older adults | History of peptic uler disease | History of stomach bleeding | Bleeding problems | Liver problems | Taking another NSAID at the same time | Taking other medications that raise your risk of bleeds | Taking ketoprofen for a long time | Drinking alcohol | Smoking
Taking ketoprofen can raise your risk of stomach problems, like inflammation, stomach ulcers (sores), and bleeding. These problems can be serious and sometimes life-threatening. They can happen at any time while you're taking ketoprofen.
Tell your prescriber and pharmacist about your medical conditions and any medications you take. They can check your risk for stomach ulcers and stomach bleeding with ketoprofen.
Let your prescriber know if you have gnawing pain in the stomach area, acid reflux, or feeling full quickly. These can be signs of a stomach ulcer. Stomach bleeding might not always cause symptoms, especially if it happens slowly over time. But get medical help right away if you feel faint, have severe stomach pain that doesn't go away, vomit blood, or have bloody or dark stools.
Risk for heart attack and stroke
Risk factors: Heart problems | Having risk factors for heart problems | Recent heart attack | Taking higher doses of ketoprofen | Taking ketoprofen for a long time | Recent or planned heart surgery
Ketoprofen might raise your risk of blood clots, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. If you have heart problems, including a recent heart attack, talk to your prescriber to make sure this medication is safe for you. Don't take ketoprofen if you recently had heart surgery or are planning to have one. Your risk is much higher right after surgery.
To lower your risk of heart attack and stroke, take the lowest dose of ketoprofen for the shortest time needed to relieve pain. Call 911 if you have signs of a heart attack, like chest pain that spreads to your arm, neck, or jaw; shortness of breath; or sweating. Also, get medical help right away if you have a severe headache, weakness on one side of your body, a droopy face, or trouble speaking or walking. These can be signs of a stroke.
High blood pressure, swelling, and risk for heart failure
Risk factors: High blood pressure | Heart problems
Ketoprofen can make your body hold onto extra fluid, which can raise your blood pressure. It can also cause swelling in your legs or feet. And too much fluid buildup can put you at risk for heart failure.
Tell your prescriber if you have heart problems, high blood pressure, or heart failure. Also let them know if you're taking any medications for these conditions. Your prescriber can check whether ketoprofen is safe for you. People with severe heart failure should only take ketoprofen if the benefits are greater than the risks.
Talk to your primary care provider if your blood pressure stays higher than usual while taking ketoprofen. Also let them know if you notice swelling in your legs or ankles. Watch for other signs of heart failure like shortness of breath, chest pain with movement, sudden weight gain, and tiredness.
Kidney damage
Risk factors: Older adults | Kidney problems | Liver problems | Heart failure | Taking other medications that can harm the kidneys
Taking NSAIDs like ketoprofen for a long time can harm your kidneys. Your risk is higher if you have certain health conditions like kidney problems or heart failure. It's also higher if you take other medications that can cause kidney damage, like diuretics (water pills).
If you're at risk for kidney damage, your prescriber might check your kidney health with blood tests. Call your prescriber if you notice a change in how often you urinate, feel very tired, or have muscle cramps. These can be signs of kidney problems. You might need to stop taking ketoprofen if your kidneys get affected.
Liver problems
Risk factors: History of liver problems
Some people who took NSAIDs, including ketoprofen, had higher liver enzyme levels in their blood. This could be a sign of liver damage. In rare cases, liver injury has led to serious problems like liver failure.
Get medical help right away if you have a swollen stomach, pain in the upper right side of your stomach, yellow skin or eyes, or changes in your stool (black, tarry, or bloody stools). These could be signs of liver damage. You might need to stop taking ketoprofen to prevent further harm.
Risk for general bleeding
Risk factors: Taking with other blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) | Taking with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) | Blood-clotting problems
NSAIDs like ketoprofen can raise your risk for bleeding. Be careful if you take ketoprofen with other medications that make bleeding more likely. These can include blood thinners and certain antidepressants. Let a healthcare professional know if you bleed or bruise more easily or if it takes longer for bleeding to stop while you're taking ketoprofen.
Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions
Risk factors: Allergy to aspirin | Allergy to NSAIDs | Aspirin-sensitive asthma | Asthma with rhinitis (runny or stuffy nose), with or without nasal polyps
It's possible to have a severe allergic reaction to ketoprofen. These reactions can be life-threatening and can include facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis. Don't take ketoprofen if you're allergic to aspirin or other NSAIDs. You could also have an allergic reaction to ketoprofen. Call 911 right away if you have hives, swelling in your face, swelling of your lips or tongue, or trouble breathing after taking ketoprofen.
Rarely, ketoprofen can also cause serious skin reactions. These can include Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). Stop taking ketoprofen and get medical help as soon as possible if you have unusual skin changes, like rash, blisters, or skin peeling.
Not safe to take while pregnant
Ketoprofen can cause harm to an unborn baby, especially if it's taken in the second half of pregnancy (after week 20). It can raise the risk for serious complications, like heart or kidney problems in your unborn baby. Talk to your prescriber or obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) about the risks and benefits of taking ketoprofen if you're pregnant.
More on Ketoprofen warnings
Ketoprofen dosage forms
Typical dosing for Ketoprofen
Ketoprofen immediate-release capsules
Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis: The typical starting dose is 75 mg by mouth three times a day. Another typical dosing option is 50 mg by mouth four times a day. The maximum dose is 300 mg per day.
Mild-to-moderate pain, including from menstrual cramps: The typical dose is 25 mg to 50 mg by mouth every 6 to 8 hours as needed for pain. The maximum dose is 300 mg per day.
Ketoprofen extended-release capsules
Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis: The typical dose is 200 mg by mouth once a day.
Interactions between Ketoprofen and other drugs
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Abciximab
- Aceclofenac
- Acemetacin
- Acenocoumarol
- Amiloride
- Amineptine
- Amitriptyline
- Amitriptylinoxide
- Amoxapine
- Amtolmetin Guacil
- Anagrelide
- Apixaban
- Ardeparin
- Argatroban
- Aspirin
- Balsalazide
- Bemiparin
- Bendroflumethiazide
- Benzthiazide
- Betamethasone
- Betrixaban
- Bismuth Subsalicylate
- Bivalirudin
- Bromfenac
- Budesonide
- Bufexamac
- Bumetanide
- Cangrelor
- Celecoxib
- Certoparin
- Chlorothiazide
- Chlorthalidone
- Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate
- Choline Salicylate
- Cilostazol
- Citalopram
- Clomipramine
- Clonixin
- Clopamide
- Clopidogrel
- Cortisone
- Cyclopenthiazide
- Cyclosporine
- Dabigatran Etexilate
- Dalteparin
- Danaparoid
- Deflazacort
- Desipramine
- Desirudin
- Desmopressin
- Desvenlafaxine
- Dexamethasone
- Dexibuprofen
- Dexketoprofen
- Diazoxide
- Dibenzepin
- Diclofenac
- Diflunisal
- Digoxin
- Dipyridamole
- Dipyrone
- Dothiepin
- Doxepin
- Droxicam
- Duloxetine
- Edoxaban
- Enoxaparin
- Eplerenone
- Epoprostenol
- Eptifibatide
- Escitalopram
- Ethacrynic Acid
- Etodolac
- Etofenamate
- Etoricoxib
- Felbinac
- Fenoprofen
- Fepradinol
- Feprazone
- Feverfew
- Floctafenine
- Flufenamic Acid
- Fluocortolone
- Fluoxetine
- Flurbiprofen
- Fluvoxamine
- Fondaparinux
- Furosemide
- Ginkgo
- Gossypol
- Heparin
- Hydrochlorothiazide
- Hydrocortisone
- Hydroflumethiazide
- Ibuprofen
- Iloprost
- Imipramine
- Indapamide
- Indomethacin
- Inotersen
- Lepirudin
- Levomilnacipran
- Lithium
- Lofepramine
- Lornoxicam
- Loxoprofen
- Lumiracoxib
- Magnesium Salicylate
- Meadowsweet
- Meclofenamate
- Mefenamic Acid
- Melitracen
- Meloxicam
- Mesalamine
- Methotrexate
- Methyclothiazide
- Methylprednisolone
- Metolazone
- Milnacipran
- Morniflumate
- Nabumetone
- Nadroparin
- Naproxen
- Nefazodone
- Nepafenac
- Niflumic Acid
- Nimesulide
- Nimesulide Beta Cyclodextrin
- Nortriptyline
- Olsalazine
- Opipramol
- Oxaprozin
- Oxyphenbutazone
- Paramethasone
- Parecoxib
- Parnaparin
- Paroxetine
- Pemetrexed
- Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium
- Pentoxifylline
- Phenindione
- Phenprocoumon
- Phenylbutazone
- Phenyl Salicylate
- Piketoprofen
- Piroxicam
- Polythiazide
- Prasugrel
- Prednisolone
- Prednisone
- Proglumetacin
- Propyphenazone
- Proquazone
- Protein C
- Protriptyline
- Reboxetine
- Reviparin
- Rivaroxaban
- Rofecoxib
- Salicylamide
- Salicylic Acid
- Salsalate
- Sertraline
- Sibutramine
- Sodium Salicylate
- Spironolactone
- Sulfasalazine
- Sulindac
- Tacrolimus
- Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate
- Tenoxicam
- Tianeptine
- Tiaprofenic Acid
- Ticagrelor
- Ticlopidine
- Tinzaparin
- Tirofiban
- Tolfenamic Acid
- Tolmetin
- Torsemide
- Trazodone
- Treprostinil
- Triamterene
- Trichlormethiazide
- Trimipramine
- Trolamine Salicylate
- Valdecoxib
- Venlafaxine
- Vilazodone
- Vorapaxar
- Vortioxetine
- Warfarin
- Xipamide
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Acebutolol
- Alacepril
- Atenolol
- Azilsartan
- Azilsartan Medoxomil
- Benazepril
- Betaxolol
- Bisoprolol
- Candesartan Cilexetil
- Captopril
- Carteolol
- Carvedilol
- Celiprolol
- Enalapril
- Enalaprilat
- Eprosartan
- Esmolol
- Fosinopril
- Irbesartan
- Labetalol
- Levobunolol
- Lisinopril
- Losartan
- Metipranolol
- Metoprolol
- Moexipril
- Nadolol
- Nebivolol
- Olmesartan Medoxomil
- Oxprenolol
- Penbutolol
- Perindopril Erbumine
- Pindolol
- Practolol
- Propranolol
- Quinapril
- Ramipril
- Sotalol
- Spirapril
- Telmisartan
- Timolol
- Trandolapril
- Valsartan
How much does Ketoprofen cost?
Ketoprofen contraindications
History of asthma, hives, or other allergic reactions after taking aspirin or another NSAID
Right before or after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), a type of open heart surgery
What are alternatives to Ketoprofen?
Mild-to-moderate pain - immediate-release capsules only
Menstrual cramps - immediate-release capsules only
Short-term relief of minor aches and pains due to headache, muscle aches, minor arthritis pain, toothache, backache, the common cold, or menstrual cramps
Fever
Mild-to-moderate pain
Pain from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis (OA)
Pain from menstrual cramps
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis - extended-release only
Short-term pain - immediate-release only
Ketoprofen images
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