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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
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 →

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
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 →

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.
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 →

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.
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 →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug).

Carprofen
Rx
Inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis; provides anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects
dogcat
Firocoxib
Rx
Selectively inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), providing anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects while sparing COX-1 mediated GI and platelet functions
dog
Meloxicam
Rx
Preferentially inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), reducing prostaglandin synthesis and providing anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects
dogcat
Piroxicam
Rx
Non-selective COX inhibitor with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties; also used as anti-tumor agent due to anti-angiogenic effects in transitional cell carcinoma
dog
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