Ketonal is a drug containing the active substance ketoprofen, which has strong analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties. It is more effective than the ibuprofen and paracetamol medication, and has many side effects, which is why it is now subject to prescription. However, ketonal is expected to be available over the counter soon. Find out what are the indications for the use of ketonal, what is the dosage and what are the side effects of its use?

Ketonalis a drug that contains an active ingredient calledketoprofen -a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).Ketonalhaseffectanti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic. Ketonal comes in the form of

  • tablets, capsules for oral use
  • ampoules for intramuscular injection
  • gel for use on the skin

Ketonal (ketoprofen) - action

Ketonal, specifically ketoprofen - inhibits the activity of the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX). It takes part in the synthesis of transmitters that stimulate pain receptors and contribute to the formation of fever and swelling. By inhibiting the activity of cyclooxygenase, ketonal leads to a reduction in the synthesis of transmitters, which results in reduced pain perception, as well as a reduction in swelling and fever.

Ketonal is more potent than the ibuprofen and paracetamol drug. Additionally, it has many side effects, so you shouldn't use it too often.

Ketonal (ketoprofen) - indications for use

Ketonal is used in the symptomatic treatment of degenerative, inflammatory and metabolic rheumatic diseases and some pain syndromes. The indications for use are:

  • rheumatoid arthritis
  • osteoarthritis (osteoarthritis)
  • dysmenorrhea
  • moderate pain

Ketonal (ketoprofen) - dosage

Adults and children over 15 years of age - usually 100 mg (1 tablet) 1-2 times a day. The maximum dose is 200 mg daily. If the ketonal is in tablet form, take it with a meal.

Elderly patients should be treated with the lowest effective dose and monitored for gastrointestinal bleeding for 4 weeks after starting treatment.

Ketonal (ketoprofen) - contraindications

  • age - under 15
  • gastrointestinal diseases (especially gastric ulcer and / or duodenal ulcer) and chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease).
  • hypertension and / or arrhythmia
  • blood coagulation disorders
  • severe liver, kidney or heart failure
  • renal and hepatic dysfunction
  • Taking other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs at the same time
  • hemorrhagic diathesis
  • 3rd trimester of pregnancy and breastfeeding period
  • lupus erythematosus and mixed connective tissue disease
  • symptoms of allergic reactions after taking acetylsalicylic acid
  • taking other medications (especially anticoagulants, diuretics, heart medications, corticosteroids)

Do not combine ketonal with other NSAIDs simultaneously, e.g. with aspirin.

Ketonal (ketoprofen) OTC

Ketonal could only be obtained with a prescription. However, since October 2017, ketonal is available in Polish pharmacies without a prescription. The new drug is called Ketonal Active and contains 50 mg of ketanol per tablet. There are 10 or 20 tablets in the package. You will still need a prescription to purchase the 100 and 200 mg doses (per tablet) and / or a multi-tablet pack.

However, experts are against using ketonal without a doctor's prescription. Ketonal has many side effects. Self-treatment with ketonal can end badly, especially for the elderly, especially those treated with cardiology.

It can impair female fertility, so ladies trying to conceive should avoid it. Ketonal can not only have side effects but also mask serious illnesses. Patients "drown out" the symptoms with painkillers and, as a result, they come to the doctor already in the advanced stage of the disease.

Ketonal (ketoprofen) - side effects

  • gastrointestinal disorders such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, gastric irritation, gastric ulcer, anemia (resulting from chronic bleeding), gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration in the small intestine, malabsorption disorder
  • interstitial nephritis, decreased glomerular filtration, renal tubular dysfunction
  • disorders of the nervous system, such as: headaches, disturbance of consciousness, depressed mood, muscle tremors, aseptic meningitis, dizziness, neuropathy,tinnitus, personality disorders
  • a slight increase in the risk of heart attack or stroke. This risk is increased by long-term ingestion of high doses of the drug. Therefore, higher doses and longer duration of treatment than recommended should not be used.

Rare side effects of NSAIDs include:

  • inflammation of the blood vessels
  • pericarditis and myocarditis
  • aplastic anemia
  • decrease in the number of platelets
  • hemolytic anemia
  • aseptic meningitis
  • membranous enteritis
  • toxic liver damage

Severe skin reactions, some of them fatal, are very rare:

  • exfoliating dermatitis,
  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome and
  • toxic epidermal necrolysis.

In people with active or past bronchial asthma or allergic diseases, the use of ketonal may cause bronchospasm.

Ketonal may adversely affect female fertility. However, this effect wears off after you stop taking your medications.

Ketonal should not be used by patients with peptic ulcer disease who have had gastrointestinal bleeding. It is not indicated in people with liver and kidney diseases. It can impair female fertility, so ladies trying to conceive should avoid it.

Ketonal (ketaprofen) - interactions with other drugs

Ketonal should not be combined with aspirin as the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding increases. If used in parallel with anticoagulants, it can cause haemorrhage, and with diuretics, it can damage the kidneys. If you are taking any medications, please read the package leaflet carefully before taking the ketonal to check for any interactions.

Ketonal (ketoprofen) - overdose

In adults, the main symptoms of overdose are:

  • headache
  • dizziness
  • sleepiness
  • nausea, vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • stomach ache

In the case of severe poisoning, the patient should be immediately transported to a specialized hospital ward for symptomatic treatment. There is no specific antidote.

Ketonal(ketoprofen)- narcotic effect. Can you become addicted to ketanol?

As we learn from the leaflet, ketonal can rarely cause mental disorders. Of these, depression, nervousness, nightmares, and somnolence are often mentioned. Rare delirium with hallucinations visual and auditory, disorientation and speech disorders.

  • Overcome the pain without reaching for medication
  • Drugs during pregnancy: what drugs are safe to take during pregnancy?
  • Comparison of painkillers: paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin - how do they work and what are their side effects?

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