The Migraine Relief Center Blog

Here’s the latest from the Migraine Relief Center

Keep up with the doctors, patients, treatments—and results—from all our locations.

Ketoprofen: What Is It and Will It Heal My Migraines?

Posted by Migraine Relief Center on Aug 1, 2014 7:00:00 AM
Now that summer is in full bloom and more people are heading out to enjoy the nice weather, physicians and pharmacists are warning patients about certain medications that do not always mix with sunshine. As with anything else in life, moderation and precaution should be exercised when enjoying sunlight, especially when taking certain medicines such as Ketoprofen.

How Ketoprofen Alleviates Migraine Symptoms

Ketoprofen_What_Is_It_and_Will_It_Heal_My_MigrainesKetoprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which is often prescribed to patients who suffer from mild or chronic migraine conditions. Ketoprofen is considered a common NSAID; in terms of pharmacology, it is similar to other popular anti-inflammatory medications such as Aleve and Motrin.

The Ketoprofen mechanism is fairly sophisticated. Inflammation and pain are physiological conditions that are often caused by hormones. NSAIDs work on the principles of reducing the production of these hormones, which are known as autocoid prostaglandin chemicals. The prostaglanding substance is created by the cyclooxygenase enzyme, which is blocked by the active ingredients of medications such as Actron, Oruvail and Orudis.

Young women are often prescribed ketoprofen when it is believed that their hormonal changes act as triggers for migraines. This is sometimes called a menstrual migraine, which is a misnomer since the trigger is essentially the same as when a headache episode is triggered by heavy exercise.

Ketoprofen Formulations

Ketoprofen is mostly an oral medication that is often prescribed as:
  • Tablets
  • Capsules
  • Elixir

When prescribed as capsules, the quick-release dosage of ketoprofen ranges between 50 and 75 milligrams, which can be taken every six to eight hours. Some migraine specialists recommend taking a single 200 mg ketoprofen capsule per day. The elixir form of this medication has been tested since 1998, but it has largely been reserved for veterinarian use.

Ketoprofen Side Effects

One side effect that many NSAIDs share is that they may increase a patient's sensitivity to sunlight, therefore increasing the risk of photo-allergic and toxic reactions. To this effect, medical researchers in Japan discourage the use of ketoprofen dermal patches, which are usually prescribed for the treatment of sports injuries, during the summer months.

The most serious side effect of ketoprofen is that it can significantly increase the risk of cardiac emergencies in patients who are in need of bypass surgery. Migraine patients who take this medication should contact their physicians immediately if they experience any cardiac discomfort.

Ketoprofen Dosages

The maximum daily dosage of ketoprofen is 300 mg. Taking larger doses can bring about stomach discomfort and ulcer formation. Ketoprofen also acts as a blood thinner, which means that patients should avoid taking aspirin and warfarin. Also, excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages while taking ketoprofen may increase the risk of developing stomach ulcers.

Ketoprofen is not generally recommended during pregnancy. Some patients may get a minor rash or experience mild headaches after continued and prolonged use.

 

 

*Image courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net

patient guide to surgery

Share this on social media:

Topics: Treatment

Feel free to leave a comment below.