Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antiinflammatory and antirheumatic products, non-steroids)

ATCvet code: QM01AE03

Ketoprofen is a substance belonging to the group non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Ketoprofen has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties. Not all aspects of its mechanism of action are known. Effects are obtained partially by the inhibition of prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis by ketoprofen, acting on cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase respectively. The formation of bradykinin is also inhibited. Ketoprofen inhibits thrombocyte aggregation.

After intravenous injection to horses the half-life is approx. 1 hour. The distribution volume is approx. 0.17 l/kg and the clearance approx. 0.3 l/kg. After intramuscular injection to cattle and pigs ketoprofen is quickly absorbed and the maximum plasma concentration of approx. 11 micrograms/ml is obtained within ½ to 1 hour. The mean absorption time is approx. 1 hour. The plasma half-life is 2 – 2 ½ hours. The bioavailability after intramuscular injection is 90 – 100% in cattle and pigs. In the case of repeated injections at 24 hour intervals ketoprofen exhibits linear and stationary kinetics since the above parameters remain unchanged. Ketoprofen is approx. 95% bound to plasma proteins.

Ketoprofen is metabolised mainly by the reduction of the ketone group to a main metabolite. Ketoprofen is quickly excreted; approx. 80% is eliminated within 12 hours after administration. 90% of the elimination takes place via the kidneys, mainly in metabolised form.