An NSAID for short-term pain
Dexketoprofen
A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory used for the short-term relief of mild to moderate pain.
What is Dexketoprofen?
Dexketoprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for the short-term relief of mild to moderate acute pain, such as period pain, dental pain or muscle and joint pain. It reduces pain and inflammation and works quickly. It is taken with food for short periods only, carries the usual NSAID risks to the stomach, kidneys and heart, and should not be combined with other NSAIDs.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Dexketoprofen — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Dexketoprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and a refined form of the older painkiller ketoprofen. In the UK it is used for the short-term relief of mild to moderate acute pain, for example period pain, dental pain, and musculoskeletal aches. It is intended for short courses rather than long-term use.
How it works
Dexketoprofen blocks the cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes the body uses to make prostaglandins, which drive pain and inflammation. By reducing prostaglandins it eases pain and swelling. Because the same prostaglandins also protect the stomach lining and help control blood flow through the kidneys, blocking them can cause stomach irritation and effects on the kidneys, blood pressure and heart.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Developed by Menarini; also available as a generic medicine..
Developed as a refined form of the painkiller ketoprofen and used in the UK for short-term acute pain.
Practical use
How to take Dexketoprofen
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Take it with or just after food to reduce stomach upset.
- Use it for the shortest time needed to control acute pain.
- Do not take other NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen or aspirin for pain) at the same time.
- Swallow tablets with a drink of water.
- From around the twentieth week of pregnancy, avoid NSAIDs unless your prescriber advises otherwise.
- Tell your prescriber promptly about indigestion, black stools, swelling or breathlessness.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Dexketoprofen
Advantages
- Provides fast, effective relief of mild to moderate acute pain.
- Useful for short-lived pain such as period pain or dental pain.
- Available as a generic medicine.
Disadvantages
- Carries the usual NSAID risk of stomach irritation, ulcers and bleeding.
- Can strain the kidneys, raise blood pressure and carries a small heart-related risk.
- Intended for short-term use only and should not be combined with other NSAIDs.
Practical use
Good to know
Dexketoprofen is for short-term use only. Take it with or after food to help protect your stomach, and use it for the shortest time that controls your pain. Do not combine it with other NSAIDs, including over-the-counter ibuprofen or aspirin taken for pain. From around the twentieth week of pregnancy onwards NSAIDs are generally avoided.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People with a current or past stomach ulcer, or bleeding in the gut.
- People who have had asthma, wheeze, hives or swelling triggered by aspirin or another NSAID.
- People with severe heart, kidney or liver problems, and from around the twentieth week of pregnancy.
Monitoring
- Signs of stomach upset or bleeding, such as indigestion or black stools.
- Blood pressure and, with longer use, kidney function.
- Effectiveness, so it is stopped once the acute pain settles.
Side effects
- Indigestion, stomach pain and nausea.
- Stomach irritation, ulcers or bleeding (sometimes seen as black stools).
- Headache and dizziness.
- Fluid retention, raised blood pressure and effects on the kidneys.
Key interactions
- Other NSAIDs and aspirin taken for pain, which add to the risks.
- Blood-thinning medicines such as warfarin, which raise the risk of bleeding.
- ACE inhibitors, diuretics, lithium and methotrexate.
Available as: Available as tablets and as granules to dissolve in water.
Answers
Dexketoprofen: frequently asked questions
How long can I take dexketoprofen for?
It is meant for short-term use to relieve acute pain. Use it for the shortest time that controls your symptoms and follow your prescriber's advice on how long to continue.
Why should I take it with food?
Taking it with or just after food helps protect the stomach lining and reduces the chance of indigestion, irritation or ulcers.
Can I take it with ibuprofen?
No. Both are NSAIDs, and combining them increases the risk of stomach and kidney problems without adding benefit. Avoid taking other NSAIDs at the same time.
Is it safe in pregnancy?
From around the twentieth week of pregnancy onwards, NSAIDs are generally avoided because they can affect the baby. Tell your prescriber if you are or might be pregnant.
What warning signs should I watch for?
Seek advice for indigestion, stomach pain, black or tarry stools, swelling of the ankles or breathlessness, which can signal stomach, kidney or heart effects.
The wider class
About NSAIDs
Dexketoprofen belongs to the nsaids class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
Browse by body system
Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
Building a medicines information resource?
We create evidence-led, dose-free drug and formulary references for teams.