Ketoprofen
Ketoprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain, inflammation, and fever associated with various conditions including arthritis, musculoskeletal injuries, and menstrual cramps. It works by reducing the production of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins that cause pain and inflammation in the body.
Ketoprofen is an NSAID that relieves pain, swelling, and inflammation caused by arthritis, injuries, and other conditions.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- M01AE03
- RxNorm
- 6142
- Generic
- Ketoprofen
- Class
- atc-m01
- Brands
- Ketofen, Orudis, Draxxin KP, Ketomed, Kiprofen
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral, topical, rectal
- Forms
- capsule, gel, solution, tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid completely
do not use during third trimester
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid
do not breastfeed while taking ketoprofen
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyreduce starting dose
start at lowest effective dose, monitor for GI bleeding and renal function
regular renal function and blood pressure monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 15weight-based dosing required
use only under medical supervision, not recommended for children under 15 years
close monitoring for adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderatereduce dose
use with caution, monitor renal function closely
regular monitoring of serum creatinine and renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeavoid
do not use in severe renal impairment
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
moderatereduce dose
use with caution, monitor liver function tests
regular liver function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
alcohol_users
chronic alcohol useavoid
avoid combination due to increased GI bleeding risk
monitor for signs of GI bleeding
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Bioavailability
Absorption characteristics
Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute gout, dysmenorrhea, migraine headaches, and mild to moderate pain from musculoskeletal injuries or post-surgical discomfort. Also used for fever reduction.
Belongs to the propionic acid class of NSAIDs. Works by reversibly inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, primarily COX-1 and COX-2, which reduces the synthesis of prostaglandins—chemical messengers responsible for pain, inflammation, and fever response.
May increase risk of serious cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke) and gastrointestinal bleeding/ulcers. Contraindicated in late pregnancy, active peptic ulcer disease, and severe kidney impairment. Use with caution in elderly patients and those with history of heart disease or asthma. May interact with anticoagulants, other NSAIDs, and certain blood pressure medications. Available by prescription and over-the-counter depending on dosage form.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy