Other Brands/Names

Decoxa, Deksketoprofen Trometamol, Blastofen, Dexprofen. Dextofen, Fendex, Sandetofen, Lantidex, Ketesse, Simprofen, Tofedex, Tordex, Voxib.

How It Works

Dexketoprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for the relief of mild to moderate pain. It reduces pain and swelling by blocking the synthesis of prostaglandins, a group of active fatty molecules produced in body tissues at sites of injury or infection that drive inflammation.

Indications

Dexketoprofen may be used for short-term symptomatic management of:

• Mild to moderate pain (menstrual pain or dysmenorrhea, muscle aches, and toothaches)
• Post-operative pain
• Fever

Contraindication

This medicine should not be used in people with the following conditions:

• History of allergy to dexketoprofen, aspirin, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• History of upper airway disorders (asthma, nasal polyps, acute rhinitis) triggered by aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medicines
• History of gastrointestinal problems such as gastric ulcers, colitis, or gastrointestinal bleeding related to anti-inflammatory drugs
• Chickenpox (varicella) infection
• Pregnancy in the third trimester and breastfeeding
• Moderate to severe kidney disorders
• Severe liver impairment

Side Effects

This medicine may cause side effects, such as:

• Nervous system effects (headache, dizziness, vertigo)
• Gastrointestinal effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dry mouth, gastritis, bloating, and flatulence)
• Sleep problems (insomnia, anxiety)
• Cardiac effects (palpitations)
• Skin reactions (redness, itching, increased sweating)
• Fatigue

In some situations, serious and potentially life-threatening events may occur, including bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines), asthma attacks, or severe allergic reactions (shortness of breath, widespread skin rash). Seek medical care immediately if these occur.

Types

This medicine is available as:

• 25 mg tablets
• 25 mg/mL injectable ampoule

Dosage

Oral Medications

• Adults: 12.5 mg every 4–6 hours or 25 mg every 8 hours. Maximum dose: 75 mg daily.
• Elderly: Begin treatment with a lower total daily dose not exceeding 50 mg per day. The dose may be increased if the patient tolerates therapy and no significant side effects occur.

Dexketoprofen should be taken on an empty stomach before meals (about 30 minutes prior to food).

Injection Drugs

• 50 mg every 8–12 hours, administered by slow injection into a vein, into a muscle, or through an IV line.
• If needed, the dose may be repeated every 6 hours.
• The maximum total daily dose is 150 mg in 24 hours.

Safety

This is a prescription-only medicine and must be used on a doctor’s order and under medical supervision. The FDA classifies this drug as pregnancy category Z because it may cause fetal kidney injury and persistently increased pulmonary vascular resistance after birth. The safety of dexketoprofen in children has not been established in clinical studies.

Drug Interactions

• Dexketoprofen may increase the risk of toxicity of the following drugs:
  
  • Mood stabilizer lithium
  • Anticancer agent methotrexate
  • Sulfonamide antimicrobials
• Dexketoprofen may heighten kidney-related adverse effects when combined with the following:
  
  • Immune suppressants cyclosporine and tacrolimus
  • Diuretics, which increase urine output and remove excess fluid
  • Heart medications (ACE inhibitors and ARBs)
  • Aminoglycoside antibiotics

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