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Ketoprofen

PrescriptionCDSCO approved
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) — Propionic acid derivative
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
3 available
Interactions
1 documented
Formulations
3

Mechanism of action

Inhibits both COX and lipoxygenase pathways, blocking prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis; provides anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects

At a glance

Class
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) — Propionic acid derivative
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store below 25°C, protect from light
CDSCO (India)
Vet-approved — 1990-01

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Acute pain / Post-operative analgesia / Musculoskeletal inflammation
Dose
1–2 mg/kg
Route
SC, IM, IV, PO
Frequency
SID
Max dose
100 mg
Duration: Short-term only (3–5 days max)
🐈

Cat

Acute pain / Post-operative analgesia
Dose
1–2 mg/kg
Route
SC, IM
Frequency
SID
Max dose
10 mg
Duration: Single dose or max 3 days; higher GI risk than dogs

Formulations

💉

Injection — 1

Strength
100mg/mL
Available in India
💊

Tablet — 2

Strength
5mg
Available in India
Strength
20mg
Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from light

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • GI ulceration or bleeding
  • Renal insufficiency
  • Concurrent corticosteroids or other NSAIDs
    Additive GI toxicity
    PrednisoloneCarprofenMeloxicam

Adverse effects

Common
GI upset
Inappetence
Serious
GI ulceration/perforation
Renal failure
Bleeding (platelet inhibition)

Monitoring parameters

BUN/CreatinineHepatic enzymesFecal occult blood

Interactions

Contraindicated — 1

Carprofen
contraindicated
Concurrent NSAID use dramatically increases GI, renal, and hepatic toxicity
Management: Never use two NSAIDs concurrently. Allow appropriate washout period between switching.

Brands

International

Ketofen
Boehringer Ingelheim

India

Ketoprof Vet
Intas
Rhoval
Cadila

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Ketoprofen?
Ketoprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (nsaid) — propionic acid derivative used in pets. Inhibits both COX and lipoxygenase pathways, blocking prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis; provides anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects
›What is Ketoprofen used for in pets?
Ketoprofen is used in veterinary medicine for: Acute pain / Post-operative analgesia / Musculoskeletal inflammation; Acute pain / Post-operative analgesia.
›What is the Ketoprofen dose for dogs?
For dogs, Ketoprofen is typically dosed as follows — Acute pain / Post-operative analgesia / Musculoskeletal inflammation: 1–2 mg/kg SC/IM/IV/PO SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Ketoprofen dose for cats?
For cats, Ketoprofen is typically dosed as follows — Acute pain / Post-operative analgesia: 1–2 mg/kg SC/IM SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Ketoprofen?
Common: GI upset, Inappetence. Serious (call your vet immediately): GI ulceration/perforation, Renal failure, Bleeding (platelet inhibition).
›Does Ketoprofen need a prescription?
Yes. Ketoprofen is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Ketoprofen not be used?
Do not use Ketoprofen if: GI ulceration or bleeding; Renal insufficiency; Concurrent corticosteroids or other NSAIDs.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

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