Ketoprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) belonging to the propionic acid subclass of carboxylic acid derivatives. The primary mechanism of action is inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis through interference with the cyclo-oxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism.

Ketoprofen exerts three main pharmacological effects which are common to all NSAIDs: anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic. Ketoprofen has been shown to have potent activity against acute, subacute and chronic inflammation in the classical models of inflammation.