Adolquir

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Adolquir

Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Adolquir

Adolquir is a prescription medicinal product whose therapeutic effect is derived from its active ingredient, dexketoprofen trometamol. It is a potent compound formally classified as a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID), which is utilized primarily to address both pain and inflammation.

Property Description
Active Ingredient Dexketoprofen trometamol
Form Oral tablets, Granules for solution, Injection
Pharmacological Class Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
General Purpose Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Action
Origin Synthetic (Propionic acid derivative)

Defining Adolquir: Identity and Pharmacological Class

Adolquir is a synthetic compound belonging to the propionic acid derivative group. Chemically, dexketoprofen is a single, highly purified S-(+) isomer of the older, racemic drug ketoprofen. This purification, often referred to as a chiral switch, ensures that only the biologically active molecular configuration is present. This specific isomeric form is clinically recognized for achieving rapid systemic absorption compared to the predecessor compound.

Composition and Available Forms of Dexketoprofen

Adolquir is defined as a single product because it contains only one active pharmaceutical ingredient. The medicine is available for administration via both the oral and parenteral routes, utilizing multiple pharmaceutical preparations including coated oral tablets, powdered granules for oral solution, and a sterile solution for injection suitable for intramuscular or intravenous delivery. The availability of an injectable solution represents a differentiating factor, offering flexibility when the oral route is not suitable.

General Purpose: Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Action

The fundamental purpose of Adolquir is to provide simultaneous analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory properties. This benefit is achieved by the active ingredient's role as a potent cyclooxygenase inhibitor. By interfering with the body’s production of prostaglandins—lipid messengers that initiate and amplify inflammation—the drug helps to relieve pain and swelling. This action makes it suitable for short-term management of conditions involving significant inflammatory pain.

What side effects are possible with Adolquir?

Adolquir's safety profile, based on regulatory documentation, defines potential risks across several body systems, with particular emphasis on cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and systemic effects.

Adverse Reactions and Serious Risks

Official documents indicate a small increased risk of serious arterial thrombotic events, specifically myocardial infarction (heart attack) and stroke. This risk is generally considered more likely with high doses and prolonged treatments. The most frequently noted adverse reactions involve the Gastrointestinal System, ranging from common discomfort like nausea and indigestion to serious events such as ulceration, bleeding, or perforation of the stomach or intestines. Serious, though less frequent, Hypersensitivity Reactions (e.g., severe rash, angioedema, asthma attacks) are also documented.

Safety Restrictions and Population-Specific Concerns

The medicine is contraindicated in patients with established severe heart failure (NYHA Class II-IV), active gastrointestinal ulceration/bleeding, and moderate-to-severe kidney or liver impairment. It is strictly contraindicated during the third trimester of pregnancy due to potential harm to the fetal heart and kidneys. Elderly patients are officially noted to have a higher incidence of side effects, requiring careful consideration. A key systemic safety note is that the medicine may mask the signs of infection, such as pain and fever, potentially delaying appropriate management of the infection.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

An overdose of Adolquir (Dexketoprofen trometamol) is an emergency and requires immediate medical attention. All information regarding overdose presentation and response is based strictly on documentation from government regulatory sources.


Documented Clinical Manifestations

Overdose may present with gastrointestinal effects such as nausea, vomiting (which may include blood), diarrhea, and epigastric pain. Central Nervous System disturbances commonly reported in regulatory documents include lethargy, drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion. Other clinical signs noted in official labeling are shallow breathing, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and blurred vision.


Severe Outcomes and At-Risk Populations

Serious outcomes documented in regulatory prescribing information include the potential for life-threatening events such as gastrointestinal perforation or severe internal bleeding, acute renal failure, and, in massive ingestions, seizures or coma. The regulatory data confirms that elderly patients are at a higher risk for serious gastrointestinal complications. Additionally, there is an increased risk of kidney damage (nephrotoxicity) for patients with concurrent hypovolemia.


Required Emergency Actions

If an overdose is suspected, the official guidance mandates that individuals must seek immediate medical help, which involves going to the emergency department or immediately calling a poison control center. Hospital management relies on symptomatic and supportive care, as no specific antidote is known. Procedures such as gastric lavage, administration of activated charcoal, and continuous monitoring of vital signs may be required.

Therapeutic Uses of Adolquir

Adolquir is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed, with the ability to provide symptomatic relief against symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states. Its use is focused on providing supportive assistance in clinical settings marked by heightened patient discomfort. The medication is used for the short-term management of mild to moderate pain.


Therapeutic Support

The medication is relevant for managing symptoms that interfere with daily comfort, such as those arising from musculoskeletal pain (like sprains and strains), dental discomfort, pain and swelling following surgical procedures, and intense, cyclical manifestations like primary dysmenorrhoea. The medication is applied in addressing symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states (pain and localized swelling), which generally contributes to easing the overall symptom load during symptomatic periods. It may assist with managing symptoms associated with recurrent or episodic manifestations, supporting the patient during difficult episodes by easing distress.

Quick Fact: Relief for Acute Pain

The medication is considered relevant in contexts involving heightened systemic burden, providing support that helps ease the overall symptom burden.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Map: Who Can and Cannot Use Adolquir — Official Regulatory Information

Eligibility Scope Official Regulatory Statement
Populations for whom use is allowed (as stated in label): Adult patients for the symptomatic short-term management of acute pain.
Populations for whom use is not recommended (if applicable): Women who are attempting to conceive or are in the first or second trimesters of pregnancy.
Populations for whom use is contraindicated: Patients with hypersensitivity to Adolquir or other NSAIDs, active GI bleeding/ulceration, severe heart failure, or active bleeding disorders.
Age-related eligibility rules: Children and adolescents (under 18 years): Use is not recommended; safety and efficacy have not been established. Older Adults: Use requires special caution and monitoring.
Condition-specific eligibility rules: Moderate to Severe Renal Impairment ( creatinine clearance le 59 space ml/min), Severe Hepatic Impairment (Child-Pugh C), Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis are contraindications.
Pregnancy and lactation eligibility status (if explicitly documented): Third Trimester of Pregnancy and Lactation/Breastfeeding are contraindicated.
Eligibility-related restrictions: Patients with uncontrolled hypertension or mild organ impairment must be treated with caution and require monitoring.

Eligibility Classifications (High-Level)

Classification Category Regulatory Status as Defined in Official Documents
Eligibility severity classification (as defined in official documents): Contraindicated (Absolute prohibition); Not recommended (Restricted use); Caution/Monitoring Required (Conditional use).
Regulatory basis (EMA / FDA / etc.): Primarily EMA Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) and equivalent government prescribing information.
Eligibility-context constraints (as defined in official documents): Physiological state (Pregnancy, Lactation); Age-group (Pediatric, Geriatric); Comorbid organ function (Renal, Hepatic, Cardiac).

Connection to the overall eligibility profile

Regulatory documents define eligibility by setting absolute prohibitions for patients with severe underlying conditions, such as severe heart, liver, or kidney failure, active GI disease, or a known NSAID allergy. Use is not recommended for the pediatric population due to a lack of established safety data. Furthermore, the medicine is contraindicated during the third trimester of pregnancy and while breastfeeding. For older adults and those with mild organ impairment, use is conditional and mandates special caution and close monitoring.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Adolquir (dexketoprofen trometamol) has official regulatory restrictions and cautions regarding its co-administration with numerous substances, primarily due to its classification as a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID).


Interaction Classifications

Classification Interacting Substances/Context
Use Avoided/Contraindicated Other NSAIDs, including COX-2 inhibitors; High-dose Acetylsalicylic acid
Use Not Recommended Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin, Heparins); Alcohol

Official Interaction Statements

  • Pharmacodynamic Risk: Co-administration with anticoagulants, oral corticosteroids, antiplatelet agents, or SSRIs may lead to a clinically significant increased risk of bleeding or haemorrhage, an additive effect documented in regulatory labels.
  • Exposure Alterations: Dexketoprofen may increase the plasma levels of certain co-administered drugs, including Lithium and Methotrexate, due to interference with their clearance or renal excretion.
  • Renal Impairment Risk: The use of Adolquir with diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonists may reduce their efficacy and increase the likelihood of nephrotoxicity.
  • Timing Requirement: Regulatory information advises taking oral Adolquir at least 30 minutes before meals when treating acute pain, as food is documented to delay the rate of absorption.
  • Population Note: Official labeling identifies elderly patients and those with hypovolaemia as having an increased susceptibility to severe interaction-related adverse effects, necessitating close monitoring.

The overall interaction structure, as defined by government regulatory documents, centers on managing pharmacodynamic risks—like increased bleeding potential—and addressing pharmacokinetic issues, specifically the reduced elimination of certain co-administered drugs and the delay in absorption caused by food.

Mechanism of Action

How Adolquir Works

Adolquir's mechanism of action operates at the enzymatic level within the arachidonic acid cascade. Its active component, dexketoprofen, acts primarily as a non-selective inhibitor of the cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes, specifically targeting both the COX-1 and COX-2 isoforms. This interaction is classified as enzyme-mediated signaling inhibition.

Inhibition of COX prevents the catalytic conversion of arachidonic acid into various lipid signaling molecules, most notably the prostaglandins and thromboxanes. This action modifies early molecular steps in the cascade by reducing the intracellular synthesis and subsequent release of these specific mediators. The resulting decrease in pro-inflammatory and pain-sensitizing mediators initiates alterations in systemic signaling processes.

This mechanism mediates pathway function through direct enzyme binding, resulting in a quantifiable change to local biochemical activity. The overall consequence is a system-level physiological modulation involving the regulation of processes driven by these signaling patterns, without addressing any specific condition or therapeutic outcome.

Dosage and Administration Information

Adolquir is administered under strict regulatory guidelines for short-term symptomatic use, utilizing multiple dosage forms to address varying clinical needs. The approved routes of administration include oral use, via either tablets or granules for solution, and parenteral use, which involves intramuscular (IM) injection or intravenous (IV) bolus or slow infusion.

Administration Route Standard Adult Dosing Maximum Daily Dose
Oral (Tablets/Granules) 12.5 mg every 4-6 hours or 25 mg every 8 hours 75 mg
Parenteral (IM/IV) 50 mg every 8-12 hours 150 mg

Usage patterns are defined by these limits and must adhere to specific contextual requirements. Oral administration for acute relief should occur at least 30 minutes before meals to ensure optimal speed of action. The injectable formulation is strictly limited to a maximum of two consecutive days, after which a transition to oral treatment is mandated. For patient populations with altered metabolism, including older adults and those with mild renal or hepatic impairment, the total daily dose must be reduced to a maximum of 50 mg.

Parenteral administration also requires precise handling. IV infusion solutions must be prepared by dilution, protected from natural daylight, and infused slowly over a period of 10 to 30 minutes. An IV bolus, conversely, is administered over no less than 15 seconds. These administration rules ensure the medicine is used within the standardized therapeutic and procedural framework.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Adolquir

Evidence for Use in Acute Postoperative Pain

Research exploring the use of Adolquir for pain following surgical procedures, such as dental extractions or orthopedic operations, has primarily been conducted using Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews. These trials were applied in studies examining patient-reported experiences of moderate-to-severe pain. Researchers monitored outcomes related to physical discomfort, often measuring pain intensity and the patient's need for additional pain relief. Findings describe patterns observed in the studies related to a rapid onset of measured symptom changes. Separately, research explored the co-administration of Adolquir alongside opioid pain relievers, and studies monitored whether this approach was associated with changes in the overall amount of opioid medication required.

The majority of this evidence is derived from studies observing responses over defined time intervals, meaning the follow-up durations were limited. Most consistent data cover the first few hours up to two days following administration. There is limited information for long-term outcomes for continuous pain management extending beyond the immediate post-operative period.

Evidence for Use in Acute Musculoskeletal Pain

Adolquir was evaluated in research exploring physical discomfort associated with conditions involving periods of heightened symptoms like acute sprains, strains, and low back pain. The evidence is largely based on short-term RCTs that focused on episodes where symptoms become more noticeable due to acute injury. Research highlights changes measured during the study period, indicating patterns related to the speed of the measured symptom changes in the observed adult populations.

A key limitation is that these studies focused on short-term symptom changes over days. The results apply only to the populations studied during the immediate acute phase. Research does not provide insight into whether an individual will respond similarly over extended periods, as the long-term effects are not fully established for chronic musculoskeletal conditions.

Evidence in Specific Patient Groups

The majority of formal clinical research has been conducted in adult patients experiencing acute pain. Data for certain groups remain insufficient, such as those with pre-existing health conditions or compromised organ function, and for older adults. Regulatory information acknowledges that these groups may exhibit different physiological responses. Therefore, the results apply only to the populations studied in the trials.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Adolquir (FAQ)


Q: Can I split the Adolquir tablet to get a lower dose?

According to the official product information, certain tablet forms of this medicine feature a score line, or break-mark. This mark indicates that the tablet is designed to be divided into equal doses. The availability of a score line facilitates flexible dosing as determined by a healthcare professional.


Q: Is Adolquir suitable for a minor headache?

Official regulatory documents indicate that Adolquir is specifically authorized for the short-term treatment of acute pain that is classified as mild to moderate in intensity. This includes pain associated with musculoskeletal issues, dental procedures, and menstrual periods (dysmenorrhoea). Minor headaches are not one of the specific conditions explicitly listed in the authorized uses.


Q: How long does the pain relief from one dose of Adolquir last?

Studies and official information indicate that the analgesic (pain-relieving) effect of a single dose of Adolquir is based on clinical data. Regulatory documents state that the pain relief is generally reported to persist for approximately four to six hours following administration.

How should Adolquir be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Adolquir

Adolquir (dexketoprofen trometamol) must be stored strictly according to the official regulatory instructions to maintain its integrity.


Required Storage Conditions

The tablets should be stored at or below 30 C for specific packaging types. The medicine must be kept in the original outer carton and blister to ensure it is protected from light. As a mandatory safety requirement, Adolquir must be secured out of the sight and reach of children at all times.


Official Disposal

Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements for pharmaceutical waste. Do not dispose of Adolquir in household trash or wastewater (sewer systems).

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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