Ketoprofen

Ketoprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that consists of a benzoylphenylpropionic acid and is often used both topically and systemically to treat musculoskeletal disorders due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects and low toxicity.

Topical: Gel: 3-4 times/day lightly rub 3-4 g gel (treatment duration: 1-2 weeks).

Systemic: Adults/adolescents > 18 yrs: 50-200 mg/day p.o. or as supp. distributed over 1-2 ED. Initially or in acute pain conditions, increase dose to 300 mg/day if necessary. Peroral application best with a meal and sufficient liquid.

Occasionally Gastrointestinal symptoms such as heartburn, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain.

Photosensitivity: Ketoprofen is one of the most common photoallergens. Ketoprofen-induced photosensitivity reactions usually manifest as photoallergic dermatitis, also as erythema exudativum multiforme-like lesions at the application site (1 week to 1 month after the start of application).

Rare: fatigue, headache, cutaneous side effects such as maculopapular exanthema, urticaria, pruritus.

Isolated cases of severe toxic epidermal necrolysis have been described (Massari M et al. 2022)

Ketoprofen-ratiopharm®, Phardol Schmerz-Gel®, Togal Mobil Gel®, Togal®, Togal®, Togal®.

Remember! The ability to react in road traffic and when operating machines may be impaired!

Case report (phototoxic reaction after ketoprofen gel) A 60-year-old female patient with traumatic edema of the left foot was treated twice daily with a 2.5% ketoprofen gel. The patient was frequently exposed to the sun and developed severe toxic dermatitis on the treated areas. She had previously been treated frequently with various NSAIDs (ibuprofen, diclofenac) for chronic back pain. The symptoms subsided under local therapy with corticosteroids. 2 months later, an epicutaneous test with topical ketoprofen was performed. Only the irradiated side of the body, to which the ketoprofen-containing gel was applied, showed a positive reaction to ketoprofen.

Ketoprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug consisting of a benzoylphenylpropionic acid and is often used both topically and systemically to treat musculoskeletal conditions due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects and low toxicity.

Note: Due to their similar biochemical structure, patients with ketoprofen photoallergy should avoid taking some medications such as certain NSAIDs (suprofen, tiaprofenic acid), lipid-lowering drugs (fenofibrate) and benzophenone-based sunscreens. Physicians and pharmacists should educate patients about the potential risks of applying topical NSAIDs to light-exposed skin.

1. Massari M et al. (2022) Ketoprofen-induced severe toxic epidermal necrolysis with biliary duct duct ductopenia and consecutive liver transplantation. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 20:687-689.
2. Rosan T et al. (2022) Ketoprofen-induced photoallergic reaction. Acta Dermatovenerol Croat 30:197-198.