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Also indexed as: Orudis, Oruvail
Ketoprofen is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. It is in a class of medications known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized interactions.
 Avoid: Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability—Avoid these supplements when taking this medication since the supplement may decrease the absorption and/or activity of the medication in the body. | Willow* |
| Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results. | White willow* |
 Check: Other—Before taking any of these supplements or eating any of these foods with your medication, read this article in full for details. | Lithium* |
| Depletion or interference | None known |
| Side effect reduction/prevention | None known |
| Supportive interaction | None known |
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
Lithium
Lithium is a mineral that may be present in some supplements and is also used in large amounts to treat mood disorders such as manic-depression. Research has shown that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may increase blood levels of lithium,1 resulting in side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, muscle weakness, and lack of coordination. Though there is no research available to show that ketoprofen increases lithium blood levels, until more information is available, people taking ketoprofen should talk with their healthcare practitioner before supplementing with lithium.
Willow (Salix alba)
Willow bark contains salicin, which is related to aspirin. Both salicin and aspirin produce anti-inflammatory effects after they have been converted to salicylic acid in the body. The interaction between salicylic acid and ketoprofen is complex. While it may enhance the effectiveness of ketoprofen, salicylic acid also speeds its elimination from the body.2 Consequently, people taking ketoprofen should avoid herbal products that contain willow bark.
Food
Ketoprofen may cause stomach upset and should therefore be taken with food.3
Calories and fat
Taking a slow-release form of ketoprofen with low-fat, low-calorie food may increase the absorption of the drug, compared with taking it with a high-fat, high-calorie meal.4 Individuals who eat a diet high in calories and fat may require an adjustment in the daily amount of ketoprofen taken or may experience greater benefit by switching to a low-fat, low-calorie diet. Consult a qualified professional about matching ketoprofen dosage with dietary fat and calorie intake.
1. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 3285–8.
2. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 3285–8.
3. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 3285–8.
4. Le Liboux A, Teule M, Frydman A, et al. Effect of diet on the single- and multiple-dose pharmacokinetics of sustained-release ketoprofen. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1994;47:361–6.
Copyright © 2007 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. www.healthnotes.com
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Learn more about the authors of Using Medicines with Vitamins and Herbs
The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires September 2008.
