Ketonal gel (Orudis)

Ketoprofen is in a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. Ketoprofen is used to treat pain or inflammation caused by arthritis. It is also used to treat menstrual pain.

Therapeutic actions:
The primary mechanism of action is through inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis by interfering with the cyclo-oxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism.

What is it used for?:
- management of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis;
- management of pain;
- treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.

Contraindications and cautions:
- allergy to any ingredient in Orudis;
- known severe allergic reaction (eg, severe rash, hives, trouble breathing, growths in the nose, dizziness) to aspirin or an NSAID (eg, ibuprofen, celecoxib);
- recent or forthcoming heart surgery;
- also taking probenecid;
- the last 3 months of pregnancy.

Side effects:
Serious side effects: severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; trouble breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody or black, tarry stools; severe headache or dizziness; change in the amount of urine produced; dark urine; depression; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; mental or mood changes; vision or speech changes; numbness of an arm or leg; one-sided weakness; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; ringing in the ears; fainting; seizures; severe or persistent stomach pain or nausea; severe vomiting; shortness of breath; confusion;sudden or unexplained weight gain; chest pain; swelling of hands, legs, or feet; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual joint or muscle pain; unusual tiredness or weakness; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; yellowing of the skin or eyes. Less serious side effects: Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; gas; headache; heartburn; nausea; stomach upset.

Interactions:
- the risk of stomach bleeding may be increased by anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), aspirin, corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), heparin, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (eg, fluoxetine);
- the risk of Orudis 's side effects may be increased by probenecid;
- Orudis may increase the risk of side effects of cyclosporine, lithium, methotrexate, quinolones (eg, ciprofloxacin), or sulfonylureas (eg, glipizide);
- Orudis may decrease effectiveness of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, enalapril) or diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide).