Comparison Table: Naproxen vs Ketoprofen
| Category | Naproxen | Ketoprofen |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Drug Class | NSAID (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug) | NSAID (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug) |
| 2. Mechanism of Action | Inhibits COX-1 and COX-2, reducing prostaglandin synthesis | Same mechanism – inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 |
| 3. Common Brand Names | Aleve, Naprosyn | Orudis, Oruvail, Ketoflam |
| 4. Available Forms | Tablet, capsule, suspension, delayed-release, extended-release | Capsule, extended-release, topical gel, injection |
| 5. Half-Life | Long (12–17 hours) – allows twice daily dosing | Shorter (2–4 hours) – may require more frequent dosing |
| 6. Typical Dosing Frequency | Every 8–12 hours | Every 6–8 hours |
| 7. Onset of Action | Slower onset | Faster onset |
| 8. Pain Relief Potency | Moderate to high | Moderate to high (comparable to naproxen) |
| 9. Anti-inflammatory Power | Strong | Strong |
| 10. Common Indications | Arthritis, menstrual pain, tendonitis, fever, muscle aches | Arthritis, pain, menstrual cramps, post-surgical pain |
| 11. Contraindications | GI bleeding, severe heart/kidney/liver disease, NSAID allergy | Same as naproxen |
| 12. Typical Adult Dose | 250–500 mg every 12 hours (max 1500 mg/day) | 25–50 mg every 6–8 hours (max 300 mg/day) |
| 13. GI Side Effects | Gastric irritation, ulcer, nausea | Slightly more irritating to GI tract than naproxen |
| 14. Cardiovascular Risk | Moderate (less than some NSAIDs like diclofenac) | Slightly higher cardiovascular risk compared to naproxen |
| 15. Renal Impact | May reduce kidney function with long-term use | Similar renal effects |
| 16. Topical Option | No | Yes (topical gels/sprays available) |
| 17. Use in Pregnancy | Avoid in 3rd trimester | Avoid in 3rd trimester |
| 18. COX-2 Selectivity | Non-selective | Non-selective |
| 19. Drug Interactions | Anticoagulants, antihypertensives, lithium | Same interactions |
| 20. Cost and Availability | Widely available and generally cheaper | Less widely available, may be more expensive |
Indications (Both)
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Osteoarthritis
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Rheumatoid arthritis
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Ankylosing spondylitis
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Musculoskeletal pain
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Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)
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Postoperative pain
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Fever (off-label)
Contraindications (Both)
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Hypersensitivity to NSAIDs
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History of asthma or urticaria with NSAID use
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Active peptic ulcer or GI bleeding
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Severe heart failure
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Late-stage pregnancy (3rd trimester)
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Severe liver or kidney disease
Typical Dosage (Adults)
| Drug | Immediate-Release | Extended-Release |
|---|---|---|
| Naproxen | 250–500 mg every 12 hours (Max: 1500 mg/day) | 750–1000 mg once daily |
| Ketoprofen | 25–50 mg every 6–8 hours (Max: 300 mg/day) | 200 mg once daily (Max: 200 mg/day) |
Warning Signs (Both)
Seek medical attention if you experience:
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Black or bloody stools (GI bleeding)
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Chest pain, shortness of breath (heart attack)
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Swelling, rapid weight gain (kidney issues)
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Severe abdominal pain
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Skin rash or blisters (Stevens-Johnson Syndrome)
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Yellowing of the skin or eyes (liver damage)
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High blood pressure or headaches
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Ringing in the ears or hearing changes
Which One is Best and Safer?
| Criteria | Better Choice | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Naproxen | Longer half-life = less frequent dosing |
| GI Tolerability | Naproxen | Slightly less gastric irritation |
| Topical Use Option | Ketoprofen | Available as gel/patch – reduces systemic side effects |
| Cost & Access | Naproxen | Widely available, lower cost |
| Rapid Pain Relief | Ketoprofen | Faster onset |
