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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Dexketoprofen

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Dexketoprofen

  • Dexketoprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (also known as an NSAID).
  • Take dexketoprofen at least 30 minutes before food.
  • Dexketoprofen may cause dizziness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving or operating machinery.

About dexketoprofen

Type of medicineNon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
Used forShort-term relief of pain
Also calledKeral®
Available asTablets

Dexketoprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It is also known as an NSAID. It is used to relieve short-term pain, such as muscular pain, dental pain, and dysmenorrhoea (painful periods).

Dexketoprofen works by blocking a substance in the body called cyclo-oxygenase (also known as COX) which is involved in the production of certain irritant chemicals in response to injury and some conditions. By blocking the action of COX, dexketoprofen reduces the symptoms of pain and inflammation.

Before taking dexketoprofen

Before taking dexketoprofen make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you are under 18 or over 65 years of age.
  • If you have liver or kidney problems.
  • If you have asthma or any other allergic disorder.
  • If you have ever had a stomach or duodenal ulcer.
  • If you have heart problems.
  • If you have ever had blood clotting problems.
  • If you have blood in your stools, or if you suffer from a bowel problem such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
  • If you have systemic lupus erythematosus (an inflammatory condition also called lupus or SLE).
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic or unusual reaction to any other NSAID (this includes aspirin, naproxen, diclofenac and ibuprofen) or to any other medicine.

How to take dexketoprofen

  • Before starting dexketoprofen, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
  • Take dexketoprofen exactly as your doctor has told you. You will be told how many tablets to take and when, but this will be no more 3 tablets each day.
  • Take these tablets with a drink of water at least 30 minutes before eating food. This is because dexketoprofen will take longer to work if it is taken after food.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Dexketoprofen is for short-term relief of pain. It should not be taken for long periods of time.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with dexketoprofen.

Can dexketoprofen cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Indigestion, heartburn, stomach painIf the discomfort continues, speak with your doctor
Feeling or being sickEat little and often. Stick to simple or bland foods - avoid rich or spicy foods
DiarrhoeaDrink plenty of water to replace the lost fluids
Dizziness, drowsiness (these are less common side-effects)Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating any machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert

Important: If you experience any of the following, speak with your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay:

  • Any sign of bleeding in the stomach or intestine, such as blood in vomit or dark stools.
  • Any shortness of breath, or swelling of the mouth or face.
  • A severe skin rash.
  • A severe headache with a high temperature and a stiff neck.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store dexketoprofen

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

  • If you are having any dental treatment or an operation, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer’s PIL, Keral® 25mg tablets, A.Menarini Pharma U.K. S.R.L., electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated July 2007, accessed January 2011.
  • British National Formulary; 60th Edition (September 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2011DocID: 3689DocRef: dils3657Last Reviewed: 10 Feb 2011Version: 23
For the planned review period see the Data Creation and Quality Control Process.
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