Highlights for ketoprofen

  1. Ketoprofen oral capsule is available as a generic drug. It doesn’t have a brand-name version.
  2. Ketoprofen oral capsule comes in two forms: an immediate-release capsule and an extended-release capsule.
  3. Ketoprofen oral capsule is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, pain, and menstrual pain.

FDA warnings

  • This drug has black box warnings. These are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Black box warnings alert doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.
  • Heart risks warning: This medication can increase your risk of serious and sometimes fatal heart events, such as heart attack and stroke. Your risk may be higher if you’re taking it long term, at high doses, or if you already have heart problems or risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure.
  • Heart surgery warning: Don’t take this medication if you’ve recently had a coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
  • Stomach risks warning: This medication belongs to a class of drugs that can cause serious and sometimes fatal stomach problems. These include bleeding, damage to your stomach lining, and a hole in your stomach.
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Other warnings

  • Aspirin/NSAID allergy warning: Don’t take this medication if you’ve had allergic reactions to aspirin or another nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). These reactions include trouble breathing, breaking out in hives, or another type of serious allergic reaction.
  • High blood pressure warning: This medication can cause high blood pressure or make existing high blood pressure worse.

Ketoprofen is a prescription medication. It comes as an oral capsule and oral extended-release capsule.

Ketoprofen is only available in a generic version. Generic drugs usually cost less than brand-name versions.

Why it’s used

Ketoprofen is used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. It’s approved to treat:

How it works

Ketoprofen belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs help reduce pain, inflammation, and fever.

It isn’t known how this medication works to decrease pain. It may help reduce swelling by lowering levels of prostaglandin, a hormone-like substance that usually causes inflammation.

Ketoprofen oral capsule doesn’t cause drowsiness, but it can cause other side effects.

More common side effects

The more common side effects that can occur with ketoprofen include:

  • upset stomach
  • nausea
  • diarrhea
  • headache
  • dizziness
  • drowsiness

If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

  • Heart attack or stroke. Symptoms can include:
    • chest pain
    • shortness of breath
    • weakness on one side of your body
    • slurred speech
  • Kidney damage (if you use it for a long time). Symptoms can include:
    • decreased urination
    • swelling in your arms, legs, hands, or feet
  • Heart failure. Symptoms can include:
    • unusual weight gain
    • swelling in your arms, legs, hands, or feet
  • Stomach problems, such as ulcers or bleeding. Symptoms can include:
    • stomach pain or upset stomach
    • black, tarry stools
    • vomiting up blood
  • Liver problems. Symptoms can include:
    • yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes
    • flu-like symptoms, such as body aches, fever, nausea, and vomiting
    • tiredness
    • pain in the upper part of your stomach area
    • itching
  • Skin reactions. Symptoms can include:
    • reddening, blistering, or peeling skin
  • Allergic reactions. Symptoms can include:
    • shortness of breath
    • swelling of your face, lips, or throat

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare provider who knows your medical history.

Ketoprofen oral capsule can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well.

To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs you’re taking. To find out how this drug might interact with something else you’re taking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Examples of drugs that can cause interactions with ketoprofen are listed below.

Blood pressure drugs

Taking ketoprofen with these drugs may cause increased blood pressure. Examples of these drugs include:

  • angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
  • diuretics (water pills) such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide

Bipolar disorder drug

Taking lithium with ketoprofen can increase the level of lithium in your body. This may cause confusion, irregular heartbeat, and increased thirst. While you take ketoprofen, your doctor may monitor your kidney function to make sure you don’t have too much lithium in your system.

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drug

Taking methotrexate with ketoprofen can prevent methotrexate from leaving your body. This can increase the amount of methotrexate in your body and lead to side effects.

Gout or uric acid drug

Taking probenecid with ketoprofen can increase the level of ketoprofen in your body. This could cause more side effects from ketoprofen.

Anticoagulant, blood thinner

Taking warfarin with ketoprofen can increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Taking ketoprofen with other NSAIDs may increase your risk of side effects, especially stomach pain, bleeding, or holes in your stomach. Examples of other NSAIDs include:

  • aspirin
  • ibuprofen
  • naproxen

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs interact differently in each person, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible interactions. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare provider about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that you are taking.

This drug comes with several warnings.

Allergy warning

Ketoprofen can cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms may include:

  • trouble breathing
  • swelling of your face or throat
  • hives

If you develop these symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Don’t take this drug again if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it. Taking it again could be fatal (cause death).

Warnings for people with certain health conditions

For people with liver problems: Ketoprofen can increase certain liver enzymes and in some cases, it may damage your liver.

For people with asthma: Don’t use ketoprofen if you have aspirin-sensitive asthma. It could cause a fatal allergic reaction.

Warnings for other groups

For pregnant women: Ketoprofen is a category C pregnancy drug. That means two things:

  1. Research in animals has shown adverse effects to the fetus when the mother takes the drug.
  2. There haven’t been enough studies done in humans to be certain how the drug might affect the fetus.

Talk to your doctor if you’re pregnant or plan to become pregnant. This drug should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk.

If you become pregnant while taking this drug, call your doctor right away.

For women who are breastfeeding: It isn’t known if ketoprofen passes into breast milk and causes harm to your child. You and your doctor may decide whether you’ll take ketoprofen or breastfeed.

For seniors: Older adults may have reduced kidney function. Since ketoprofen is removed from the body by the kidneys, this may cause increased side effects. If you’re older than 75 years, your doctor may give you a lower dosage of ketoprofen and monitor your kidney function.

For children: It hasn’t been established that this drug is safe or effective for use in people younger than 18 years.

All possible dosages and forms may not be included here. Your dose, form, and how often you take it will depend on:

  • your age
  • the condition being treated
  • how severe your condition is
  • other medical conditions you have
  • how you react to the first dose

Dosage for rheumatoid arthritis

Generic: Ketoprofen

  • Form: immediate-release oral capsule
  • Strengths: 50 mg, 75 mg
  • Form: extended-release oral capsule
  • Strength: 200 mg

Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)

  • Immediate-release capsule:
    • Typical dosage: Either 75 mg taken 3 times per day in evenly spaced doses, or 50 mg taken 4 times per day in evenly spaced doses.
    • Maximum dosage: 300 mg per day.
  • Extended-release capsule:
    • Typical dosage: 200 mg taken once per day.
    • Maximum dosage: 200 mg per day.

Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

Dosage for children younger than 18 years hasn’t been established.

Dosage for osteoarthritis

Generic: Ketoprofen

  • Form: immediate-release oral capsule
  • Strengths: 50 mg, 75 mg
  • Form: extended-release oral capsule
  • Strength: 200 mg

Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)

  • Immediate-release capsule:
    • Typical dosage: Either 75 mg taken 3 times per day in evenly spaced doses, or 50 mg taken 4 times per day in evenly spaced doses.
    • Maximum dosage: 300 mg per day.
  • Extended-release capsule:
    • Typical dosage: 200 mg taken once per day.
    • Maximum dosage: 200 mg per day.

Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

Dosage for children younger than 18 years hasn’t been established.

Dosage for pain

Generic: Ketoprofen

  • Form: immediate-release oral capsule
  • Strengths: 50 mg, 75 mg

Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)

  • Immediate-release capsule:
    • Typical dosage: 25–50 mg taken every 6–8 hours as needed.
    • Maximum dosage: 300 mg per day.

Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

Dosage for people younger than 18 years hasn’t been established.

Dosage for menstrual pain

Generic: Ketoprofen

  • Form: immediate-release oral capsule
  • Strengths: 50 mg, 75 mg

Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)

  • Immediate-release capsule:
    • Typical dosage: 25–50 mg taken every 6–8 hours as needed.
    • Maximum dosage: 300 mg per day.

Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

Dosage for children younger than 18 years hasn’t been established.

Special dosage considerations

  • For people with liver disease: If you have liver disease or impaired liver function, the recommend maximum daily dose is 100 mg. This reduced dosage may help to reduce the risk of side effects.
  • For people with kidney disease: If you have mild kidney disease, the recommended maximum daily dose is 150 mg. If you have more severe kidney disease, the recommended maximum daily dose is 100 mg. Following these guidelines may help reduce the risk of side effects.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you.

Ketoprofen oral capsule is used for short-term treatment. It comes with risks if you don’t take it as prescribed by your doctor.

If don’t take it or stop taking it: Your pain may get worse and become harder to treat.

If you take too much: You could have symptoms such as drowsiness, stomach pain, and vomiting. An overdose could lead to seizures and kidney problems.

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor or local poison control center. If your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

What to do if you miss a dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it’s close to time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Don’t take more than one dose at a time. If you’re unsure about what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

How to tell if the drug is working: You should have reduced pain.

Keep these considerations in mind if your doctor prescribes ketoprofen for you.

General

  • You can take this medication with or without food. Taking it with food, milk, or antacids can help prevent upset stomach.
  • Don’t chew or break apart the extended-release capsule.

Storage

  • Store ketoprofen tablets at room temperature from 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
  • Keep this medication away from light.
  • Don’t store this medication in moist or damp areas, such as bathrooms.

Refills

A prescription for this medication is refillable. You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription.

Travel

When traveling with your medication:

  • Always carry your medication with you. When flying, never put it into a checked bag. Keep it in your carry-on bag.
  • Don’t worry about airport x-ray machines. They can’t harm your medication.
  • You may need to show airport staff the pharmacy label for your medication. Always carry the original prescription-labeled container with you.
  • Don’t put this medication in your car’s glove compartment or leave it in the car. Be sure to avoid doing this when the weather is very hot or very cold.

Clinical monitoring

During your treatment with ketoprofen, your doctor may check your:

  • Kidney function: Your doctor may check your kidney function with blood tests if you have a kidney disorder or if you’ve had abnormal kidney tests in the past.
  • Blood pressure: Ketoprofen can increase your blood pressure, so your doctor may monitor it regularly.
  • Stomach health: Ulcers or stomach bleeding can occur when taking ketoprofen for a long period of time. Your doctor may monitor you for symptoms of ulcers or stomach bleeding.

There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others. Talk to your doctor about other drug options that may work for you.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.