Ketovet

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

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 Ketovet

Property Description
Active Ingredient Ketoprofen (INN)
Form Injectable Solution (Parenteral)
Pharmacological Class Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
General Purpose Pain relief, Anti-inflammatory action, Fever reduction
Origin Synthetic (Propionic Acid Derivative)

What Type of Medicine is Ketovet? (Identity and Classification)

Ketovet is a veterinary pharmaceutical product distinguished by its active ingredient, Ketoprofen. It is officially classified as a Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID), belonging to the propionic acid derivative class of synthetic agents. This pharmacological classification establishes its use as an agent designed to manage inflammatory states. The drug is recognized within its field for systemic pain and inflammation control.

Composition, Origin, and Pharmaceutical Form (Makeup and Presentation)

Ketovet is a monocomponent product, utilizing only Ketoprofen as the therapeutic substance, which is synthetic in origin. It is commonly supplied as an injectable solution for parenteral administration in clinical settings, relying on an aqueous solution base. This injectable format is a differentiating factor, as it allows for predictable and rapid systemic delivery of Ketoprofen, a quality particularly valued in veterinary medicine where fast symptom relief is critical. The active ingredient’s mechanism functions by inhibiting cyclooxygenase activity.

General Purpose and Triple-Action Benefit (High-Level Utility)

The primary purpose of the Ketoprofen contained in Ketovet is to provide comprehensive relief by mitigating key inflammatory responses. The medication is clinically recognized for its triple-action profile: it functions as an anti-inflammatory agent, an analgesic to alleviate pain, and an antipyretic to help reduce fever. This combined benefit is essential for supportive care in scenarios such as post-operative discomfort or acute musculoskeletal inflammation. By simultaneously addressing pain, swelling, and fever, the medication assists in controlling the most disruptive physical symptoms associated with various inflammatory and painful states.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH LiverTox

What side effects are possible with Ketovet?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

Ketovet, which contains the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) Ketoprofen, has a safety profile characterized by officially documented adverse reactions classified by frequency and affected physiological system. All safety statements align strictly with governmental regulatory documents.

Frequency-Classified Adverse Reactions

Side effects are categorized by their likelihood of occurrence:

  • Common effects, reported in official labeling, primarily involve the gastrointestinal system and include dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
  • Uncommon effects may involve the nervous system (e.g., headache, dizziness, somnolence) and the skin (e.g., rash, pruritus).
  • Rare and Very Rare effects include more serious events such as peptic ulceration, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and acute renal failure.

Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Constraints

Regulatory documents emphasize the risk of Serious Adverse Reactions, which include gastrointestinal ulceration, perforation, and bleeding, and severe hypersensitivity reactions, such as anaphylaxis. Additionally, the medication carries a documented risk of cardiovascular thrombotic events and acute renal injury.

Safety labeling outlines several constraints. Use is formally contraindicated in individuals with active gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding, or those with severe pre-existing renal, hepatic, or cardiac failure. Special population-specific safety considerations are noted for older adults, who face an increased risk of severe gastrointestinal and renal adverse events.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Ketoprofen overdose may present with documented acute manifestations affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the central nervous system (CNS). Officially described GI symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Regulatory sources also document CNS effects such as headache, drowsiness, confusion, and dizziness. A large overdose is noted to cause serious damage in both adults and children.

Life-Threatening Outcomes and Emergency Action

Severe and potentially life-threatening outcomes documented in official labeling include acute renal failure, GI ulceration or perforation, seizures, and coma. Due to these risks, regulatory guidance mandates seeking immediate medical attention or contacting emergency services right away if an overdose is suspected. Urgent help must be sought if severe symptoms occur, such as chest pain, slurred speech, or difficulty breathing.

Overdose Management

The official prescribing information states that no specific antidote for Ketoprofen overdose is known. Therefore, management is limited to symptomatic and supportive care. This may involve hospital monitoring of vital signs and laboratory parameters, as well as procedural interventions such as gastric lavage or administration of activated charcoal and a laxative under medical supervision.

Therapeutic Uses of Ketovet

Ketovet (Ketoprofen) is commonly used to provide symptomatic relief across multiple axes of discomfort, including pain, inflammation, and fever. This medication is applied in contexts marked by increased discomfort or tension, and generally offers symptomatic relief that helps patients cope more steadily with difficult episodes and periods of heightened distress. This medication is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed.


Therapeutic Coverage

The medication is relevant for easing symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states and is commonly used across conditions presenting with acute episodes. Key indications include managing pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and lameness; providing support for acute pain from surgical procedures or traumatic injuries; and serving as an adjunctive therapy for fever and inflammation in systemic illnesses such as acute clinical mastitis and equine colic. This symptomatic relief is helpful in situations requiring additional symptomatic assistance, and supports general well-being during symptomatic phases.


Quick Fact: Relief for Musculoskeletal Strain

Quick Fact: Relief for Musculoskeletal Pain The medicine is commonly used to help with symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states, including localized swelling and functional strain caused by joint and bone disorders. This provides support that helps ease the overall symptom burden.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility and Contraindications for Ketovet

Official regulatory guidelines for Ketovet (injectable Ketoprofen) define which populations are eligible for use and which are strictly prohibited or require special caution.

Populations Contraindicated (Must Not Use):

The medicine is absolutely prohibited for animals with:

  • Known hypersensitivity to Ketoprofen or any excipient.
  • Active gastro-intestinal ulceration or bleeding.
  • Severe cardiac, hepatic (liver), or renal (kidney) disease.
  • Existing blood dyscrasia, coagulopathy, or haemorrhagic diathesis.
  • Pregnant Mares (horses), as safety has not been established.
  • Concurrent or recent (within 24 hours) use of other NSAIDs or Glucocorticoids.

Conditional and Restricted Use:

  • Age: The medicine is not recommended for foals under one month of age. Use in animals less than six weeks old or in aged animals may involve additional risk and requires careful management.
  • Physiological State: Use should be avoided or applied with caution in animals that are dehydrated, hypovolemic, or hypotensive, due to the potential for increased renal toxicity.
  • Reproductive Status: The product can be used in pregnant and lactating cows. Use in pregnant sows requires a veterinary benefit-risk assessment due to a lack of established safety data.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The official regulatory profile for Ketoprofen outlines specific restrictions and clinically significant interactions with other medicinal products and substances. Co-administration with other Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin, is not generally recommended due to the potential for increased adverse events. Furthermore, Ketoprofen use is formally prohibited for the treatment of perioperative pain in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Interacting Substance/Class Documented Interaction Outcome
Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin), Antiplatelets, Corticosteroids, SSRIs Synergistic effect increases the risk of serious gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding.
Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide) & ACE-inhibitors May diminish antihypertensive and natriuretic effects, increasing the risk of renal dysfunction.
Lithium Reduces renal clearance of Lithium, leading to elevated plasma Lithium levels.
Methotrexate May alter elimination, potentially causing elevated serum levels and increased toxicity.
Probenecid Significantly reduces Ketoprofen plasma clearance, which is officially not recommended.

Dietary and Population Notes

Alcohol intake is a documented risk factor with additive effects that exacerbate the risk of GI bleeding when combined with this medication. Food consumption delays and reduces the peak plasma concentration (C max) of Ketoprofen but does not alter its total absorption. Elderly patients are noted in official labeling to be at a greater risk for serious gastrointestinal adverse events.

Mechanism of Action

How Ketovet Works — Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of Ketovet, driven by its active component Ketoprofen, involves precise, multi-target interference with key biochemical cascades that relate to nociceptive, inflammatory, and thermal regulation processes.


Dual Eicosanoid Pathway Modulation

The drug functions as a non-selective, reversible inhibitor of the Cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes (both COX-1 and COX-2). By blocking these enzymes, Ketoprofen prevents the synthesis of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins ( PGE2). Uniquely, the mechanism extends to modulating the Lipooxygenase (LOX) pathway, which restricts the formation of chemotactic leukotrienes. This combined action dampens the initial molecular steps of inflammation, resulting in diminished fluid extravasation and reduced vascular permeability.


Interference with Nociceptive Signaling

Ketoprofen modulates nociceptive signaling through two core pathways: it peripherally reduces prostaglandin E2, which normally sensitizes nociceptors, and it directly antagonizes the activating effects of the mediator bradykinin on nerve endings. This combination suppresses the transmission of afferent nociceptive signals.


Central Reset of Thermoregulation

The mechanism of thermal regulation is mediated centrally in the hypothalamus, where the drug prevents the action of PGE2 on the thermal control center. By limiting this key pyretic signal, the drug allows for the resetting of the hypothalamic thermal set point.

Dosage and Administration Information

Official Administration Guidelines for Ketovet

Ketovet (ketoprofen) is an injectable prescription veterinary product intended for use in specified animal species. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. Adherence to the prescribed species, dose, route, and duration is mandatory, as established in regulatory documentation.


Administration Details

Species Route of Administration Dosing Schedule Maximum Duration
Horses Intravenous (IV) 2.2 mg per kg body weight (1 mL/45 kg) once daily 3 to 5 consecutive days (Musculoskeletal disorders)
Cattle Intravenous (IV) or Intramuscular (IM) in the neck 3 mg per kg body weight (1 mL/33 kg) once daily Up to 3 consecutive days
Pigs Deep Intramuscular (IM) 3 mg per kg body weight (3 mL/100 kg) Single injection

Procedural Instructions and Constraints

  • Preparation: The product is supplied in a multidose vial. The contents must be used within 28 days (or 4 months in some formulations) of the first time the vial stopper is punctured.
  • Injection Safety: Avoid intra-arterial injection in all species. The product must not be mixed with any other substance in the same syringe. In horses, care must be taken to ensure the injection does not escape into the perivascular tissues.
  • Colic Treatment (Horses): A single IV injection is typically sufficient; however, a second dose may be administered only after a thorough clinical re-examination of the animal.
  • Age Restriction: Use is generally not recommended in foals under 15 days old or in any animal less than 6 weeks of age. Dosing should not exceed the stated dose or the duration of treatment.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of studies for Ketovet


Evidence for use in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Research exploring Ketovet was studied for conditions characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations of MDD, primarily focused on short-term randomized clinical trials (RCTs). These studies were applied in research contexts involving fluctuating or unstable symptoms in adult populations. Researchers examined outcomes related to symptom intensity or variability using standardized scales. Studies reported measurements indicating changes in average symptom scale scores over defined time intervals, typically 6 to 8 weeks. However, certainty remains low, and evidence is limited and heterogeneous concerning overall consistency across all studies.

Evidence for use in Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Research for conditions involving periods of heightened symptoms, such as GAD, was studied for in short-term studies, mainly using randomized, placebo-controlled designs. These studies explored patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort related to anxiety. Studies reported data showing measurements of changes in mean anxiety scale scores in the observed populations during the specified short-term treatment periods. Findings were mixed, and reported patterns regarding symptom measurements showed variability across the few available studies.

Evidence for effects on Painful Physical Symptoms (PPS)

Ketovet was studied in research contexts involving fluctuating or unstable symptoms where outcomes related to physical discomfort were measured. This research examined short-term symptom changes, focusing on episodes where symptoms become more noticeable. Studies reported measurements of changes in mean pain scores over short-term observation periods. Findings were mixed; patterns observed varied depending on whether the research examined the pain in the context of an affective disorder or as a primary condition.

What is still uncertain about the research on Ketovet

Follow-up durations were limited in the primary trials. Therefore, research exploring outcomes over defined time intervals beyond the initial short-term treatment period is limited. Long-term effects are not fully established concerning sustained response or relapse prevention. Data for certain groups, such as older adults and adolescents, remain insufficient. Findings describe group patterns, not personal outcomes, and the research does not determine whether an individual will respond similarly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Ketovet (FAQ)

Q: How quickly should I expect to feel Ketovet starting to work?

A: Studies on the drug’s action show that after administration, the active ingredient is quickly absorbed into the body. Maximum plasma concentration, which reflects the highest level of the drug in the bloodstream, is typically reached within 30 to 60 minutes. This profile indicates the drug is readily available to exert its systemic effects.

Q: Is it safe to use topical creams or ointments while taking oral Ketovet?

A: The official product, Ketovet, is supplied as an injectable solution for veterinary use. Regulatory warnings generally advise caution against the concurrent administration of other anti-inflammatory drugs, including NSAIDs or corticosteroids, regardless of the route of administration (e.g., topical or oral). This is a general precaution intended to reduce the risk of adverse reactions.

Q: What happens if I miss a dose of Ketovet?

A: Regulatory guidance suggests that if a dose is missed, it may be given as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped to return to the regular schedule. Official guidance stresses the importance of not administering two doses simultaneously.

Q: What research supports the effectiveness of Ketovet for its intended uses?

A: The established indications for Ketovet are based on the clinical data reviewed by regulatory authorities for product approval. These uses include the management of inflammation, pain, and fever associated with conditions like respiratory diseases and musculoskeletal disorders in the specified animal species.

Q: Why is Ketovet sometimes preferred over other antifungal medications?

A: The official classification of Ketovet is a Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID) containing Ketoprofen, which is a propionic acid derivative. It functions as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain reliever), and antipyretic (fever reducer) agent. It is not classified as an antifungal medication.

Q: What are the differences between the oral tablet form and the topical form of Ketovet?

A: The regulated product named Ketovet is officially supplied only as a 100 , mg/mL injectable solution for parenteral administration in a clinical setting. Regulatory documents for this product do not provide information or guidance regarding the use of oral tablet or topical formulations.

Q: Are there any common reasons people stop taking Ketovet prematurely?

A: Official safety information indicates that treatment discontinuation may be necessary if serious adverse reactions occur. These serious events include signs of gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration, acute renal (kidney) failure, or severe hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions.

Q: How does Ketovet get processed and eliminated by the body?

A: According to official pharmacokinetic data, the active ingredient, Ketoprofen, is metabolized in the liver into inactive components. These inactive forms are predominantly eliminated from the body via the urine, with a smaller amount being excreted in the faeces.

Q: Can Ketovet affect the results of blood tests?

A: Regulatory safety information indicates that there is a potential risk of kidney or liver impairment, particularly in cases of overdose or in susceptible animals. These conditions can often be detected through changes in standard blood test parameters.

Q: What are the signs that Ketovet is starting to clear up an infection?

A: Ketovet is an NSAID used as supportive therapy to manage painful and inflammatory states. When effective, its triple action is intended to help with symptoms, including a reduction in fever (antipyretic effect) and relief of pain and swelling (analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects).

Q: Do children ever get prescribed Ketovet?

A: Ketovet is a veterinary-only product. For young animals (foals, calves, pigs), official labeling specifies age restrictions. The medicine is generally not recommended for use in foals under 15 days old or any animal less than 6 weeks of age, as use in young animals carries additional risk.

Q: What makes Ketovet a Prescription-Only medicine?

A: The product is restricted to prescription-only use under federal and regulatory laws. This is mandated due to the nature of the active ingredient (an NSAID), its required injectable route of administration, and the potential need for professional monitoring to manage the risk of serious side effects.

Q: Is it true that Ketovet can affect hormone levels?

A: Official labeling includes precautions regarding reproductive safety. The effects of the active ingredient on reproductive performance or fetal health have not been fully established. The label advises that use in breeding or pregnant animals requires a careful benefit-risk assessment by a veterinarian.

Q: What percentage of people report experiencing side effects from Ketovet?

A: Official safety information does not provide specific percentages for adverse events. Instead, it uses standardized descriptive frequency categories to report the likelihood of side effects, classifying them as Common, Uncommon, Rare, or Very Rare based on documented data.

Q: How long after stopping Ketovet will it be completely out of my system?

A: The drug's elimination rate is described by its plasma half-life, which is the time it takes for the concentration in the bloodstream to drop by half. The half-life of Ketoprofen is short, typically ranging between 1.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the species. The complete elimination of the drug from the system is related to its half-life.

How should Ketovet be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Ketovet

Ketovet (Ketoprofen 100 mathrmmg/mL Solution for Injection) requires specific conditions for storage and disposal to maintain its stability and ensure safety.


Storage Requirements

The unopened product must be stored below 25^circmathrmC and protected from light. It should be kept in its outer carton to ensure this light protection. The product must always be stored out of the sight and reach of children.


Stability and Disposal

Once the multi-dose vial is first opened, the product has a limited in-use shelf-life of 28 days, and must not be stored above 25^circmathrmC during this period. For some regulated products, this period may be up to four months. Any unused or expired Ketovet product and associated waste materials must be disposed of in accordance with local regulatory requirements for pharmaceutical waste.

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

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