What Is Dexketoprofen Used For?
Dexketoprofen is a widely-used drug nowadays. It belongs to the drug class NSAID, which is comprised of a group of anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics.
It can be found in gel form as well as in the form of tablets and solutions that are administered orally. Have you ever seen it in the pharmacy or do you know of a relative who’s ever taken it? In the following article we will explain the characteristics and effects that this compound can have so that you will be better informed from now on.
Medical Uses of Dexketoprofen
Like other drugs in the NSAID drug class, it mainly reduces inflammation and discomfort. In addition, it may also help lower a fever. However, dexketoprofen is more effective in treating certain types of pain. This includes:
- Joint pain or arthralgia. It may help patients with arthritis, tendinitis, sprains, etc.
- Toothaches.
- Headaches. Typically, it’s used to treat mild tension headaches and migraines.
- Menstrual pain or dysmenorrhea. This condition manifests during a woman’s period. It can cause anxiety, fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, and even fainting.
- Muscle pain or myalgia. Typically, this can come from a variety of factors. These include injuries or blows, overexertion, etc. These pains manifest due to poor posture or strenuous exercise.
- Stomachaches or gastralgia.
- Back pain (including lower back pain and cervical pain). This may manifest due to poor ergonomics, or a muscle or joint alteration.
This article may also interest you: What You Need to Know About Ibuprofen
Mechanism of Action
This drug alters many bodily functions. In this regard, it’s able to override or inhibit the functions of certain enzymes that are responsible for synthesizing prostaglandins. This substance is involved in a wide variety of activities within the organism:
- Intervenes in inflammatory processes and pain sensation.
- Regulates and maintains body temperature.
- Intervenes in the secretion of gastric mucosa, a layer of the stomach that produces mucus to protect it.
- Maintains blood pressure.
- Contracts smooth muscles that comprise internal organs and blood vessels, among other parts.
Side Effects
Like all drugs, dexketoprofen may also produce some adverse reactions under certain circumstances. However, these are usually rare, as this is a safe and effective drug.
As a general rule, patients are at risk for adverse or side effects when taking medication. Thus, the use of this chemical compound may produce:
- Dizziness and vertigo
- Changes in bowel movements, such as constipation or diarrhea
- Flatulence
- Heartburn or stomachache
- Sleep disorders
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue, tiredness, or general weakness
- Palpitations
- Rashes
Many of the adverse reactions aren’t frequent. However, stomachaches are a common side effect.
As we mentioned above, prostaglandins play a role in protecting the stomach. Therefore, inhibiting its production reduces said protection. Thus, the stomach is exposed to damage from foreign substances. Naturally, this may lead to heartburn and upset stomach.
This article may interest you: Seven Traditional Heartburn Remedies
As we’ve said, prostaglandins are involved in the protection of the stomach, so by blocking their production we reduce the protective barrier of this organ. Thus, we expose it to damage from external substances and ends up producing burning and discomfort.
Contraindications and Precautions
Despite the overall safety of this drug, doctors may not recommend this medication in certain cases. Overall, you shouldn’t take this drug if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Have a cardiovascular condition.
- Suffer from kidney and/or liver failure or malfunction.
- Are hypersensitive or allergic to NSAIDs.
- Have a gastrointestinal ulcer or suffer from Crohn’s disease.
- Have adopted unhealthy habits such as alcoholism, smoking, or consumption of toxic substances like drugs.
- Or if you regularly take other anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, etc.
Finally, we recommend you go see your doctor if you have any of the symptoms we mentioned above. In addition, you should also do so if you have suffered allergic reactions related to the intake of other NSAIDs.
In addition, you should know that you should wear sunscreen while taking any NSAID, especially dexketoprofen. This is because this drug may cause hypersensitivity to solar radiation. Therefore, it can lead to spots and itchy skin.
So, despite all the contraindications and precautions we mentioned, dexketoprofen is a fairly safe and effective drug. However, don’t self-medicate and always consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding its use.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
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Vera, P., Zapata, L., Gich, I., Mancebo, J., & Betbesé, A. J. (2012). Efectos hemodinámicos y antipiréticos del paracetamol, metamizol y dexketoprofeno en pacientes críticos. Medicina intensiva, 36(9), 619-625.
