Why do we use ketoprofen? Understanding its uses and benefits

October 9, 2025 •

3 min read

Over the past several decades, meta-analysis studies have suggested that ketoprofen may be more effective than other NSAIDs like ibuprofen for certain types of moderate-to-severe pain. But why do we use ketoprofen for some conditions when many other pain relievers are available, and what makes it stand out?

Quick Summary

Ketoprofen is a prescription NSAID that treats moderate-to-severe pain, inflammation, and arthritis. It works by blocking prostaglandins and may offer superior efficacy compared to similar drugs like ibuprofen for specific conditions, though it carries typical NSAID risks.

Key Points

Potent NSAID: Ketoprofen is a prescription-strength NSAID used to treat moderate-to-severe pain and inflammation.
Effective for Arthritis: It is commonly prescribed for both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis due to its strong anti-inflammatory properties.
May be Superior to Ibuprofen: Some studies suggest that ketoprofen may be more effective than ibuprofen for certain types of chronic pain, like that associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Treats Acute Pain: The immediate-release formulation is effective for conditions such as menstrual cramps and general mild-to-moderate pain.
Serious Health Risks: Like all NSAIDs, it carries significant risks for cardiovascular and gastrointestinal health, requiring careful medical supervision.
Prescription Only in the US: Ketoprofen is not available over the counter in the United States, unlike some other NSAIDs.
Multiple Dosing Options: It is available in both immediate-release capsules for short-term pain and extended-release capsules for long-term conditions.

What is ketoprofen?

Ketoprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), a class of medications that work by blocking the body's production of certain substances that cause pain, fever, and inflammation. Specifically, it inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2), which are responsible for producing prostaglandins—the compounds that trigger inflammation. By reducing prostaglandin levels, ketoprofen effectively decreases swelling, pain, and tenderness. It is a propionic acid derivative, similar in structure and action to other well-known NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen.

Therapeutic uses of ketoprofen

Ketoprofen is a versatile medication prescribed primarily for adults to manage various painful and inflammatory conditions. Its uses can be broadly categorized based on the type of pain and its severity. For a detailed list of therapeutic uses for both chronic inflammatory conditions and acute pain management, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gouty arthritis, mild-to-moderate pain, menstrual cramps, musculoskeletal pain, and fever, please refer to {Link: LiverTox - NCBI Bookshelf https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548678/}.

Comparison with other NSAIDs

While many NSAIDs exist, clinical studies have highlighted some key differences in efficacy. Meta-analysis studies comparing ketoprofen to other common NSAIDs like ibuprofen and diclofenac have shown promising results.

Ibuprofen vs. Ketoprofen in Rheumatoid Arthritis

One systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials specifically compared ketoprofen and ibuprofen for managing pain in rheumatoid arthritis. The study found a statistically significant difference in efficacy, favoring ketoprofen for managing RA pain. This suggests that for moderate-to-severe rheumatic pain, ketoprofen might be a more potent choice for some patients, even with a comparable safety profile. You can find more details of this study in reference.


Feature	Ketoprofen	Ibuprofen	Diclofenac
Efficacy	Superior for moderate-to-severe pain, especially rheumatic pain.	Effective for mild-to-moderate pain. Less effective than ketoprofen for RA pain.	Effective for pain, but meta-analysis showed ketoprofen to be more effective for rheumatic pain.
Primary Uses	Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, acute pain, menstrual pain, fever.	Mild-to-moderate pain, fever, menstrual cramps.	Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis.
Onset of Action	Immediate-release can work in about 30 minutes.	Typically works within 30-60 minutes.	Varies, but generally fast-acting.
Safety Profile	Similar risks to other NSAIDs, including GI and CV risks.	Similar risks to other NSAIDs.	Similar risks to other NSAIDs.

Administration

Ketoprofen is available in several forms and is administered based on the condition being treated. It is available by prescription in the United States, most commonly in immediate-release and extended-release oral capsules.

Immediate-release capsules: These are typically used for acute pain management.
Extended-release capsules: This formulation is intended for chronic conditions.

Important warnings and considerations

Like all NSAIDs, ketoprofen comes with significant risks that necessitate careful consideration and medical supervision, particularly for long-term use. These risks include:

Cardiovascular Risk: NSAIDs may increase the risk of serious and potentially fatal cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke, especially with prolonged use or in patients with existing heart disease.
Gastrointestinal Risk: There is an increased risk of severe GI effects, such as bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. This risk is higher in older adults and those with a history of GI issues.
Other Potential Side Effects: Common side effects include nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, headache, and dizziness. Liver and kidney function can also be affected, and in rare instances, serious skin reactions or liver injury can occur. For a more detailed list of potential risks including cardiovascular events, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver and kidney issues, allergic reactions, pregnancy complications, and drug interactions, please refer to {Link: LiverTox - NCBI Bookshelf https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548678/}.

Conclusion

We use ketoprofen due to its effectiveness in managing moderate-to-severe pain and inflammation, particularly in chronic conditions like rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. Its potential for superior efficacy over comparable NSAIDs like ibuprofen in some cases makes it a valuable option. However, the significant cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks associated with all NSAIDs require careful consideration. As a prescription medication, ketoprofen should be used under medical guidance to ensure appropriate use and minimize adverse effects, maximizing its benefits safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, generic ketoprofen is still available in the United States, but it requires a prescription. While some brand names have been discontinued, the medication itself is available in both immediate-release and extended-release capsules.

For certain conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis, studies have suggested that ketoprofen may be more effective at relieving pain than ibuprofen. However, the safety and tolerability profiles are generally comparable between the two medications.

The immediate-release formulation of ketoprofen can begin relieving pain within 30 minutes. The extended-release capsules are intended for long-term use, and the time to initial effect can vary.

Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues such as indigestion, stomach pain, and nausea. Other possible side effects include headaches, dizziness, and drowsiness.

Individuals with certain conditions should avoid ketoprofen, including those with a history of heart disease, heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, asthma, severe heart failure, or a history of stomach ulcers or GI bleeding. It should also not be used during late pregnancy.

Yes, it is generally considered safe to take ketoprofen and acetaminophen together, as they do not have significant interactions. However, it's always best to consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist before combining medications, especially if you have liver problems or drink alcohol frequently.

Yes, like other NSAIDs, ketoprofen can potentially affect ovulation in women, which might impact the ability to get pregnant. This effect typically reverses once the medication is stopped.

Ketoprofen dosage varies depending on the medical condition and the patient's individual response. A healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dose and frequency, starting with the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary.