Drug interactions
Ketoprofen + Lithium
Severity: Major
Ketoprofen and Lithium: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
NSAIDs can raise serum lithium concentrations, leading to lithium toxicity with tremor, confusion, vomiting and ataxia. The effect can develop within days of starting the NSAID.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ketoprofen and Lithium can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Ketoprofen belongs to Musculoskeletal; Lithium belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
NSAID inhibition of renal prostaglandins reduces renal blood flow and lithium excretion.
What to do
Avoid if possible; otherwise check lithium levels within about a week of starting ketoprofen and reduce the lithium dose as needed. Counsel on toxicity symptoms.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Ketoprofen
- Ketoprofen + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Ketoprofen + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Ketoprofen Major
- Acemetacin + Ketoprofen Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Ketoprofen Major
- Alteplase + Ketoprofen Major
Other interactions of Lithium
- Lithium + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Lithium + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Lithium Major
- Acemetacin + Lithium Major
- Amisulpride + Lithium Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Lithium Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ketoprofen with Lithium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ketoprofen and Lithium can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. NSAIDs can raise serum lithium concentrations, leading to lithium toxicity with tremor, confusion, vomiting and ataxia. The effect can develop within days of starting the NSAID.
How serious is the interaction between Ketoprofen and Lithium?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid if possible; otherwise check lithium levels within about a week of starting ketoprofen and reduce the lithium dose as needed. Counsel on toxicity symptoms.
What other medicines interact with Ketoprofen?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ketoprofen with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Ketoprofen page.
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