Formulary
Dexketoprofen: Indications, Dosing, Side Effects and Interactions
Dexketoprofen clinical drug profile including indications, dosing, side effects, cautions and interactions.
MedNext Academy | 3 min read
Dexketoprofen: Indications, Dosing, Side Effects and Interactions
Dexketoprofen clinical drug profile including indications, dosing, side effects, cautions and interactions.
Indications and dose
**Short-term treatment of mild to moderate pain including dysmenorrhoea**
- **Adult** (By Mouth): 12.5 mg every 4-6 hours, alternatively 25 mg every 8 hours; maximum 75 mg per day.
- **Elderly** (By Mouth): 12.5 mg every 4-6 hours, alternatively 25 mg every 8 hours, initial max. 50 mg; maximum 75 mg daily.
Cautions
Allergic disorders; asthma; cerebrovascular disease; coagulation defects; congenital disorder of porphyrin metabolism; congestive heart failure; dehydration; elderly (risk of serious side-effects and fatalities); following major surgery; haematopoietic disorders; history of cardiac disease (NSAIDs may cause fluid retention and oedema); history of gastro-intestinal disease; history of gastro-intestinal toxicity; ischaemic heart disease; may mask symptoms of infection; mixed connective-tissue disorders; peripheral arterial disease; risk factors for cardiovascular events; systemic lupus erythematosus; uncontrolled hypertension
Contraindications
Active bleeding or bleeding disorders; active or recurrent gastro-intestinal haemorrhage; active or recurrent gastro-intestinal ulcer; chronic dyspepsia; Crohn's disease; history of NSAID-associated gastro-intestinal bleeding or perforation; known photoallergic or phototoxic reactions during treatment with ketoprofen or fibrates; severe dehydration; severe heart failure; ulcerative colitis; varicella infection
Side effects
Common or very common Diarrhoea; gastrointestinal discomfort; nausea; vomiting Uncommon Anxiety; asthenia; chills; constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; flushing; gastrointestinal disorders; headache; insomnia; malaise; pain; palpitations; skin reactions; vertigo Rare or very rare Acute kidney injury (more common in patients with pre-existing renal impairment); angioedema; appetite decreased; dyspnoea; haemorrhage; hepatocellular injury; hyperhidrosis; hypersensitivity; hypertension; hypotension; menstrual disorder; nephritis; nephrotic syndrome; neutropenia; oedema; pancreatitis; paraesthesia; photosensitivity reaction; polyuria; prostatic disorder; respiratory disorders; severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs); syncope; tachycardia; thrombocytopenia; tinnitus; vision blurred Frequency not known Oral ulceration Side-effects, further information For information about cardiovascular and gastrointestinal side-effects, and a possible exacerbation of symptoms in asthma, see Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Interactions
**Severe interactions:**
- Increase clinical monitoring and check bleeding time more often.
- Combinations requiring precautions: Tramadol can induce convulsions and increase the potential for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors...
**Other interactions (15):**
- However, those reported for dexketoprofen and tramadol as single agents should be taken into account.
- Dexketoprofen The following interactions apply to non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in general: Concomitant use not recommended: Other NSAIDs (including cyclooxygenase-2 selective...
- If the combination cannot be avoided, close clinical observation and monitoring of laboratory values should be carried out.
- This parameter therefore requires monitoring during the initiation, adjustment and withdrawal of treatment with dexketoprofen.
- Combinations requiring precautions: Diuretics, Angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, antibacterial aminoglycosides and angiotensin II receptor antagonists: dexketoprofen may reduce the...
- In case of combined prescription of dexketoprofen and a diuretic, it is essential to ensure that the patient is adequately hydrated and to monitor renal function at the start of the treatment and...
Pregnancy
Important safety information For dexketoprofen MHRA/CHM advice: NSAIDs: potential risks following prolonged use after 20 weeks of pregnancy (June 2023) See Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs .
Breast feeding
Use with caution during breast-feeding. Manufacturer advises avoid-no information available.
Hepatic impairment
Manufacturer advises caution in mild to moderate impairment; avoid in severe impairment. Dose adjustments Manufacturer advises initial dose reduction to max. 50 mg daily in mild to moderate impairment.
Renal impairment
In general, for NSAIDs the MHRA advises to avoid where possible; if necessary, use with caution (risk of fluid retention and further renal impairment, including renal failure). For dexketoprofen , avoid if creatinine clearance 59 mL/minute or less. M Dose adjustments Reduce initial total daily dose to 50 mg if creatinine clearance 60-89 mL/minute. M See Prescribing in renal impairment .
Medicinal forms
Clinical governance
**Author:** MedNext Clinical Team. **Clinical reviewer:** Dr Shameer Deen, MBBS, MS, MRCS. **Sources:** BNF, Indian Pharmacopoeia, CIMS India. **Correction:** Report errors at support@mednext.academy.
Inside MedNext for this topic
- 411 MedNext-authored chapters
- 80,000+ MCQ bank
- 15 study modes
- Growing visual cheat sheets
Study modes
- Notes
- MCQ
- Audio
- Video
- Visual
- 3D Anatomy
- Trace
- Flashcards
- Mnemonics
- Image Bank
- Clinical
- Microscopy
- Audio QBank
- Cadaver
- Book Match
Continue reading
Subject HubPharmacology Hub
All pharmacology resources in one place.
Drug SchedulesIndian Drug Schedules
Schedule H, H1, X and G classifications.
FormularyBrowse all drugs
Search 1,850+ drug profiles.
Study Dexketoprofen in the MedNext app
Challenge yourself with targeted pharmacology MCQs on this drug class. Every explanation links back to the chapter that teaches the concept.
Start drug challengeExplore the full formulary

