Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a class of medications that are commonly used to treat a wide range of conditions, including pain, inflammation, and fever.
There are many different types of NSAIDs available, but three of the most commonly used drugs in this class are ibuprofen, naproxen, and ketoprofen.
In this post, we will discuss the similarities and differences between these three drugs, including their indications, side effects, and how they work.
Indications
- All three drugs are used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever.
- Ibuprofen and naproxen are commonly used to treat conditions such as headaches, menstrual cramps, muscle aches, and toothaches. They are also used to reduce fever and relieve pain from conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Ketoprofen is also used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation, but it is typically used for conditions such as back pain, sprains and strains, and dental pain.
| NSAID | Indications |
|---|---|
| Ibuprofen | Pain relief, fever, inflammation |
| Naproxen | Pain relief, fever, inflammation, menstrual cramps |
| Ketoprofen | Pain relief, fever, inflammation, low back pain, neck pain, dental pain, muscle sprain |
How They Work
All three drugs work by inhibiting the activity of enzymes known as cyclooxygenases (COX), which are involved in the production of inflammatory compounds called prostaglandins. By blocking the activity of these enzymes, these drugs reduce inflammation and pain.
However, there is an important detail that sets ketoprofen apart from the other two drugs. Letoprofen has a slightly greater selectivity for inhibiting COX-1, which is an enzyme that plays a role in maintaining the integrity of the stomach and intestines. While ibuprofen and naproxen also inhibit COX-1, ketoprofen does so to a slightly greater degree.
This means that ketoprofen may have a lower risk of causing stomach and intestinal side effects, such as ulcers and bleeding, compared to the other two drugs.
Side Effects
Like all medications, ibuprofen, naproxen, and ketoprofen can cause side effects. The most common side effects of these drugs include:
- Stomach upset, nausea, and diarrhea
- Dizziness and drowsiness
- Headache
- Allergic reactions such as rash or hives
However, there are also some potential serious side effects associated with these drugs, such as:
- Increased risk of heart attack or stroke, especially in people who have a history of heart disease or who take high doses of the drug for a long period of time.
- Increased risk of bleeding, especially in people who take blood-thinning medications or who have a history of bleeding disorders.
- Increased risk of kidney damage, especially in people who have a history of kidney disease or who take high doses of the drug for a long period of time.
It’s important to remember that these side effects are rare, but if you experience any of them, you should stop taking the drug and contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ibuprofen, naproxen, and ketoprofen are all NSAIDs that are commonly used to treat pain and inflammation. All three drugs have similar indications and side effects, but ketoprofen has a slightly greater selectivity for inhibiting COX-1, which may make it less likely to cause stomach and intestinal side effects.
However, all three drugs have the potential to cause side effects, and it’s important to be aware of them and to contact your healthcare provider if you experience any problems.
MD, PhD. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Physician from São Paulo - Brazil. Pain Fellowship in University of São Paulo.