Is ketoprofen a painkiller?
Ketoprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic and is also a commonly used pain-relieving medication in clinical practice.
Ketoprofen is widely used to treat joint swelling and pain caused by various types of arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, as well as dysmenorrhea, dental pain, cancer-related pain, and postoperative pain. Ketoprofen gel can additionally be used for pain due to acute or chronic soft tissue injuries such as sprains, contusions, and muscle strain associated with skeletal muscles.
However, during the use of ketoprofen, some patients may experience adverse reactions. Oral formulations may commonly cause stomach pain, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite; severe cases may lead to upper gastrointestinal ulcers, bleeding, or perforation. Cardiovascular side effects may also occur, including arrhythmia, elevated blood pressure, and palpitations. Topical formulations may trigger allergic reactions such as allergic dermatitis, pruritus, and exfoliative dermatitis.
Patients who are allergic to aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women, should not use ketoprofen. Patients requiring ketoprofen for pain management should use the medication appropriately and correctly under the guidance of a qualified physician.