Ketoprofen is a derivative of phenylpropionic acid, and belongs to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory group of drugs. Like all such substances, its principal pharmacological actions are anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-pyretic. The mechanism of action is related to the ability of ketoprofen to interfere with the synthesis of prostaglandins from precursors such as arachidonic acid.

Following intravenous injection in the horse, the onset of musculo-skeletal anti-inflammatory activity occurs by 2 hours, and reaches a peak at about 12 hours. It is still measurable 24 hours after each dose.