Ketoprofen: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Uses

What is ketoprofen used for?

Ketoprofen is commonly used to treat inflammation and pain, including pain caused by arthritis and menstrual cramps.

Ketoprofen may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does ketoprofen work (mechanism of action)?

Ketoprofen works by blocking certain substances in the body that cause pain, inflammation, and fever.

How is ketoprofen supplied (dosage forms)?

Ketoprofen is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.

200 mg extended-release oral capsules
25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg oral capsules

How should I store ketoprofen?

Ketoprofen should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place in a tightly closed container. Protect from light.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of ketoprofen?

The most common side effects of ketoprofen are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

Upset stomach or stomach pain
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea or constipation
Gas or heartburn
Headache
Dizziness or drowsiness
Rash

There may be other side effects of ketoprofen that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of ketoprofen?

While less common, the most serious side effects of ketoprofen are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Ketoprofen can cause allergic reactions, including a specific type of allergic reaction called DRESS. DRESS stands for Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms. It is also sometimes called multiorgan hypersensitivity. This is a reaction that can affect multiple parts of the body, including your liver, kidneys, and heart. Stop taking the medicine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

Breathing problems or wheezing
Racing heart
Fever or general ill feeling
Swollen lymph nodes
Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
Stomach cramps
Joint pain
Dark colored urine
Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Heart Attack and Stroke. Ketoprofen can increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke that can lead to death. This risk is increased in people with existing heart disease and with longer use of ketoprofen and higher doses. Do not take ketoprofen if you have had a recent heart attack without talking to your healthcare provider. This could increase your risk of having another heart attack. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of a heart attack or stroke.

Chest pain or pressure
Fast or abnormal heartbeat
Trouble breathing
Pain in your back, jaw, throat, or arm
Sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizziness
Sudden weakness on one side of your body
Sudden and severe headache
Slurred speech or trouble understanding speech

Increased Blood Pressure (Hypertension). Ketoprofen may increase your blood pressure or make it worse if you have a history of high blood pressure. Call your healthcare provider if your blood pressure increases while taking this medicine.

If you measure your blood pressure and the top number (systolic) is 180 mm Hg or higher or the bottom number (diastolic) is 120 mm Hg or higher, get medical attention right away. Increases in blood pressure may not be noticeable but look out for any of the following symptoms of severely high blood pressure.

Sudden severe headache
Chest pain
Dizziness or confusion
Trouble breathing
Nausea/vomiting
Blurry or other changes to vision
Anxiety
Buzzing in the ears
Nosebleed
Feeling of skipped heart beats

Heart Failure. Ketoprofen may increase your risk of heart failure. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of heart failure.

Shortness of breath or trouble breathing, especially while lying down
Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
Unusually fast weight gain
Unusual tiredness

Bleeding. Ketoprofen can increase your risk for bleeding, especially if you have a bleeding disorder or take other medicines that increase your risk for bleeding. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you notice any signs of bleeding, including easy bruising or bleeding.

Stomach Bleeding. Ketoprofen can increase your risk of bleeding, ulcers, and tears (perforation) in your gut. The risk is higher if you have a history of stomach ulcers, or bleeding problems, take higher doses of ketoprofen or take it for longer than directed, have poor health, are age 60 or older, have liver disease, smoke, drink alcohol, or take certain other medicines such as oral corticosteroids, anticoagulants, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Stop taking ketoprofen and get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

Vomit blood
Black or tarry poop
Stomach pain that does not go away
Upset stomach
Feel faint

Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when taking ketoprofen. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.

Reduced need to pee
Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
Weakness or unusual tiredness
Difficulty catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
Confusion
Nausea
Seizures

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking ketoprofen. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

Nausea or vomiting
Stomach or belly pain
Fever
Weakness or unusual tiredness
Itching
Loss of appetite
Light-colored poop
Dark-colored urine
Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Severe Skin Reactions. Ketoprofen can cause severe skin reactions called Exfoliative Dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) that can lead to death if not treated. If you develop a rash, stop ketoprofen and call your healthcare provider right away. Get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of SJS or TEN.

Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off
Flat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
Red, painful, watery eyes

Anemia. Ketoprofen may cause anemia, which is a condition that causes low levels of red blood cells. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of anemia.

Unusual weakness or tiredness
Cold hands and feet
Fast or abnormal heartbeat
Pale or yellowish skin
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
Shortness of breath

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use ketoprofen?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take ketoprofen.

Ketoprofen
Actron
Orudis
Oruvail
Aspirin or any other medicine known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific ketoprofen products they stock.

Heart Surgery. Do not take ketoprofen right before or after a heart surgery called coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Taking ketoprofen during this time can increase your risk for a heart attack or stroke.

What should I know about ketoprofen before using it?

Do not take ketoprofen unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share ketoprofen with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep ketoprofen out of the reach of children.

You may take ketoprofen with food, milk, or antacids if stomach upset occurs.

People aged 65 years or older can be at a greater risk for some side effects of ketoprofen. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using ketoprofen?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if ketoprofen is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

Heart problems such as heart failure or a recent heart attack
Stroke
Bleeding problems
Kidney or liver problems
Stomach ulcers, bleeding, or other stomach problems like heartburn
High blood pressure
Fluid retention (edema)
Asthma

Other Medicines and Supplements. Ketoprofen may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking ketoprofen, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section below for more details.

Pregnancy. Do not take ketoprofen at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy without talking to your healthcare provider. Taking ketoprofen during this time may cause harm to an unborn baby and complications during delivery. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use ketoprofen while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if ketoprofen passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take ketoprofen while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does ketoprofen interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between ketoprofen and foods or drinks.

Drinking alcohol while taking ketoprofen increases your risk for stomach ulcers and bleeding. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Does ketoprofen interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking ketoprofen.

An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain kidney problem
An angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and other heart conditions
Any nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which are present in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
Aspirin
A corticosteroid, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions
A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), which are medicines commonly used for anxiety and depression
A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
Lithium, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
Digoxin, which is a medicine used to treat heart failure or certain abnormal heart rhythms
Methotrexate (Trexall and others), which is a medicine commonly used for rheumatoid arthritis or certain types of cancer
Probenecid, which is a medicine commonly used for gout

A blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with ketoprofen. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does Ketoprofen interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much ketoprofen?

If you or someone else has taken too much ketoprofen, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of ketoprofen?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.