Ketoprofen

Also sold as: Orudis, Alrheumat, Profenid

Drug Class: Analgesic (pain killer), antidysmenorreal (menstrual pain), NSAIA (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic)

Indications: Rheumatoid Arthritis (inflammation of joints, stiffness, swelling, cartilaginous hypertrophy, pain); Osteoarthritis (chronic disease of joints with destruction of articular cartilage, overgrowth of bone with lipping & spurring formation, & impaired function), mild to moderate pain, primary dysmenorrhea

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects:

  1. Gastric Intolerance (flank pain, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, dyspepsia (imperfect or painful digestion which may be translated into colic forms), flatulence, anorexia, stomatitis, appetite increase, gastritis, rectal hemorrhage, salivation, peptic ulcer, gastrointestinal perforation; more prevalent in human femals according to 3 separate studies))

  2. Common: dizziness, headache, nausea, pain, ear ringing, depression, drowsiness, excitation of Central Nervous System, visual disturbances, impotence, migraine, paresthesia (numbing sensations), sweating, urticaria (hives, allergic type), exfoliative dermatitis, photosensitivity, skin discoloration, allergic reaction, impairment of renal function with edema & increased BUN (blood urea nitrogen), signs of urinary tract irritation, hematuria, interstitial nephritis, hypertension, heart palpitation, tachycardia, congestive heart failure, peripheral vascular disease, anemia, hemolysis, purpura (hemorrhages into skin, mucous membraines, internal organs & other tissues), hypocoagulability, thirst, weight gain or loss, hepatic (liver) dysfunction, dyspnea ("air hunger" normal during strenuous exercise), epistaxis (nose bleeding), pharyngitis, rhinitis, bronchospasm, chills, facial swelling, infection, change of taste;

  3. Rare: jaundice, bloody or black stools, convulsions, confusion, rash, hives, itching, hearing impairment, blurred vision or conjunctivitis, eye pain, retinal hemorrhage, pigmentation changes, unusual bleeding/bruising, difficult painful or frequent urination, nephrotic syndrome fatigue or weakness, intestinal ulceration, severe vertigo, vasodilation, myalgia, laryngeal edema, hyponatremia, thrombocytopenia, pain;

  4. Life-Threatening: hives, rash, severe itching, anaphylaxis (fainting) soon after a dose, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, rapid heartbeat

Warnings & Precautions: Due to peptic ulceration & GI bleeding caused by this drug, ant-ulcer procedures may need to be introduced with the onset of inducing this drug. Caution should be advised if any of the following conditions occur: renal toxicity as drug is eliminated through the kidney, liver function problems, peripheral edema if due to fluid retention, heart failure or hypertension, anemia in rheumatoid arthritic patients (blood tests should be done often), steroidal dosage reduction may cause adrenal insufficiency & aggravate arthritic symptoms, etc.

Overdosage: vomiting, drowsiness; gastric lavage may be needed to empty the stomach if given by mouth; hemodialysis aids in getting the drug out of the system & in cases of renal failure.

Drug Interactions:

  1. Aspirin: not recommended to be used as decreases protein blinding of ketoprofen & increases plasma clearance of ketoprofen; ups risk of stomach ulcers
  2. Cortisone drugs: ups risk of stomach ulcer & bleeding;
  3. Diuretics: decreases urinary excretion of potassium & chloride & ups the effects on platelet function
  4. Methotrexate: ups the risk of this drug's toxicity
  5. Verapamil, Lithium & Nifedipine: ups these drug levels;
  6. Any other NSAID (i.e. fenoprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, meclofenamate, naproxen, oxyphenbutazone, phenylbutazone, salicylates, sulindac, tolmetin): increases risk of internal bleeding
  7. Thyroid hormones: rapid heartbeat, ups blood pressure

Altered Lab Values:

  1. Ups the bleeding time as much as 3-4 minutes from the baseline;
  2. Ups BUN, SGOT or SGPT levels to 3 times highest normal limits;
  3. Decreases sodium;
  4. In dogs and rats, spermatogenesis is inhibited;
  5. In dogs and baboons, testicular weight was reduced;
  6. In female rats, decrease in implantation sites found;
  7. No cancer found in rats given up to 8 times the maximum recommended human dosage.

References: 1, 2, 3

Site Notes: We have encountered several victims of this drug's side effects. One particular case involved a former AQHA World Champion barrel racer. The owner was made aware through X-rays that the horse's hocks were attempting to fuse. During the 1st day of a recent 3 day competition, the animal's time was approximately 1/2 second off of the winner. Another client suggested the use of 10 cc. Ketoprofen to aid his performance during the 2nd day of competition. The owner only gave 5 cc. Frantic, she called asking for assistance for the competitive 3rd day. After the injection, it seems the horse experienced labored breathing with an increased inability to run from the 1st day. She gasped as I gave her the possible side effects including drowsiness, balance problems, etc. Often, what is great for 1 athlete is not good for another.