Ketoprofen

Also indexed as: Apo-Keto®, Fenoket®, Jomethid XL®, Ketil CR®, Ketocid®, Ketoprofen CR®, Ketotard® 200XL, Ketovail®, Ketozip XL®, Larafen CR®, Novo-Keto®, Nu-Ketoprofen®, Orafen®, Orudis®, Oruvail®, Rhodis®, Rhovail®

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

Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, a herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized interactions.

May be Beneficial: Depletion or interference—The medication may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the nutrient. Taking these nutrients may help replenish them.	Lithium*
Avoid: Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability—Avoid these supplements when taking this medication since the supplement may decrease the absorption and/or activity of the medication in the body.	Willow*
Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results.	Lithium* White willow*
Side effect reduction/prevention	None known
Supportive interaction	None known

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 Dietary 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 non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may increase blood levels of lithium,¹ resulting in side effects such as diarrhoea, 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 doctor 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.

Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds

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
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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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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 chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2007.

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