Ketoprofen

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Also indexed as:

Orudis, Oruvail

Ketoprofen is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. It is in a class of medications known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Herbs

Summary of Interactions for Ketoprofen

Depletion or interference	None known
Adverse interaction	White willow*
Side effect reduction/prevention	None known
Supportive interaction	None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability	Willow*
Other (see text)	Lithium*

An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Interactions with Supplements

Lithium

Lithium is a mineral that may be present in some supplements and is also used in large amounts to treat mood disorders such as manic-depression. Research has shown that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may increase blood levels of lithium,¹ resulting in side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, muscle weakness, and lack of coordination. Though there is no research available to show that ketoprofen increases lithium blood levels, until more information is available, people taking ketoprofen should talk with their healthcare practitioner before supplementing with lithium.

Interactions with Herbs

Willow(Salix alba)

Willow bark contains salicin, which is related to aspirin. Both salicin and aspirin produce anti-inflammatory effects after they have been converted to salicylic acid in the body. The interaction between salicylic acid and ketoprofen is complex. While it may enhance the effectiveness of ketoprofen, salicylic acid also speeds its elimination from the body.² Consequently, people taking ketoprofen should avoid herbal products that contain willow bark.

Other Interactions

Food

Ketoprofen may cause stomach upset and should therefore be taken with food.³

Calories and fat

Taking a slow-release form of ketoprofen with low-fat, low-calorie food may increase the absorption of the drug, compared with taking it with a high-fat, high-calorie meal.⁴ Individuals who eat a diet high in calories and fat may require an adjustment in the daily amount of ketoprofen taken or may experience greater benefit by switching to a low-fat, low-calorie diet. Consult a qualified professional about matching ketoprofen dosage with dietary fat and calorie intake.

References

1. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 3285-8.
2. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 3285-8.
3. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 3285-8.
4. Le Liboux A, Teule M, Frydman A, et al. Effect of diet on the single- and multiple-dose pharmacokinetics of sustained-release ketoprofen. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1994;47:361-6.

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Last Review: 09-01-2007

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires September 2008.

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