Ketoprofen for Pain Management

Ketoprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), used to treat mild to moderate pain. Ketoprofen may be prescribed for arthritis pain and tendonitis, though it can also be used to treat muscle pain and headaches.

Like other NSAIDs, ketoprofen works by inhibiting the production of chemicals in the body that cause pain and fever, or add to the inflammatory process. Ketoprofen reduces pain both directly and indirectly by decreasing swelling. It is available in several strengths, both in short-acting and long-acting forms.

Ketoprofen is currently available only as the generic ketoprofen, however former brand names that have been discontinued in the United States include:

• Oruvail
• Orudis
• Actron

Like other pain medications, ketoprofen has some potential side effects. These include:

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Headaches
• Dizziness or drowsiness
• Ringing ears
• Problems with sleep
• Mouth sores

Potentially serious side effects of ketoprofen that require immediate medical attention include:

• Rash, itching or hives
• Sudden weight gain
• Visual problems
• Swelling in the face or limbs
• Cloudy urine or painful urination
• Poor appetite or nausea
• Unexplained bleeding or bruising
• Flu symptoms
• Difficulty breathing

Extensive ketoprofen use over time may increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke. It can also increase the risk of stomach or intestinal ulcers. Ketoprofen use should be carefully monitored in people with any history of heart disease, blood pressure problems or diabetes. It should also be taken with caution by people who:

• Drink moderate amounts of alcohol
• Take other NSAIDs (prescription or over-the-counter)
• Use blood thinners or steroids
• Are seniors

It is possible to overdose on ketoprofen. Signs of potential ketoprofen overdose include:

• Drowsiness or fatigue
• Nausea, vomiting and stomach pains
• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness or coma

If you take ketoprofen and notice any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

_Sources:

_{American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Ketoprofen. Accessed 11/9/09. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bookshelf/br.fcgi?book=meds&part=a686014}

_{Medline Plus. Ketoprofen. Accessed 11/9/09. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a686014.html}

_{U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Approved Drug Products: Ketoprofen. Accessed 11/9/09. http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/index.cfm?fuseaction=Search.SearchAction&SearchTerm=ketoprofen&SearchType=BasicSearch}