Dexketoprofen
Uses of Dexketoprofen
Dexketoprofen is commonly used to treat joint pain, dental pain, eye pain, mouth ulcers, musculoskeletal pain, pain during menstruation and post-operative pain.
How Dexketoprofen Works
Dexketoprofen is an NSAID. It works by disrupting the cyclooxygenase pathway thus reducing the production of prostaglandins, which is one of the many inflammatory mediators. Subsequently, the pain of varying degrees can be reduced or overcome during an inflammation.
Side Effects of Dexketoprofen
Nausea and/or vomiting, Abdominal pain, Diarrhea, Dyspepsia, Peptic ulcers, Gastrointestinal bleeding, Dizziness, Visual disturbances, Drowsiness
Warnings
Kidney Use With Care
Dexketoprofen should be used with caution in patients with impaired kidney function. Starting dose should be reduced to 50 mg total daily dose in patients with mild kidney disease but use of Dexketoprofen is not recommended in patients with moderate to severe kidney disease. Please consult your doctor before using it.
Alcohol Not Advisable
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Dexketoprofen as it can increase the risk of stomach bleeding and peptic ulcer.
Pregnancy Limited Data
Dexketoprofen may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, however, there are limited human studies. If Dexketoprofen is necessary for the conceiving woman during the first and second trimester of pregnancy, the dose should be kept as low and duration of treatment as short as possible. It is absolutely contraindicated in the last trimester of pregnancy. Please consult your doctor before using it.
Driving Not advisable
Dexketoprofen may cause side effects such as dizziness, visual disturbances or drowsiness all of which could affect your ability to concentrate and drive.
Liver Use With Care
Dexketoprofen should be used with caution in patients with impaired liver function. Starting dose should be reduced to 50 mg total daily dose in patients with mild liver disease but use of Dexketoprofen is not recommended in patients with moderate to severe kidney disease. Please consult your doctor before using it.
Lactation Not Advisable
Dexketoprofen excretion into human breast milk is unknown. It is not advisable to prescribe to a breastfeeding woman.
Frequently Asked Questions
Written by Dr Sri Viknarajan, MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)
Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
