Ketoprofen is a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) with analgesic and antipyretic properties. Ketoprofen has pharmacologic actions similar to those of other prototypical NSAIDs, that is thought to be associated with the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. Ketoprofen is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, dysmenorrhea, and to alleviate moderate pain. Its anti-inflammatory effects are believed to be due to inhibition of both prostglandin G/H synthase 1 and 2 (better known as cylooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cylooxygenase-2 (COX-2)), which leads to the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. Antipyretic effects may be due to action on the hypothalamus, resulting in an increased peripheral blood flow, vasodilation, and subsequent heat dissipation.
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