Дексалгин

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Дексалгин

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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 Дексалгин

Deksalgin: Quick Facts and Overview

Property Description
Active Ingredient Dexketoprofen trometamol
Pharmacological Class Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
Forms Film-coated tablets, Solution for injection
Common Use (General) Relief of pain, inflammation, and fever
Origin Synthetic (S-(+)-enantiomer of ketoprofen)

1. Deksalgin: What Type of Medicine is It?

Deksalgin (Дексалгин) is a widely recognized medication containing the active core dexketoprofen (specifically the trometamol salt), which places it firmly within the class of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Its general therapeutic purpose is to provide relief by acting as an analgesic (pain reliever), an anti-inflammatory agent (swelling reducer), and an antipyretic (fever reducer).

As a synthetic chemical, Deksalgin is often utilized in scenarios requiring fast symptomatic relief. Single-dose dexketoprofen trometamol provides effective pain relief in the treatment of acute pain and has a rapid onset of action. The medicine is designed to quickly target pain signals that originate at the site of injury or inflammation.

2. Composition and Forms: Is Deksalgin a Single-Ingredient Drug?

Deksalgin is a single-ingredient drug based only on dexketoprofen trometamol; it is not a combination product. It is presented as film-coated tablets for standard oral use and as a sterile solution for injection (ampoules) for hospital or clinical settings requiring rapid pain control.

A key differentiating feature of the active ingredient is that it is the single, active S-(+)-enantiomer of ketoprofen. This formulation is chemically optimized for rapid absorption, which gives the medicine an advantage when managing pain that requires a quick onset of action.

3. General Therapeutic Purpose

The overall purpose of Deksalgin is to alleviate the symptoms of pain and inflammation by inhibiting the production of chemical messengers called prostaglandins. This inhibition is the core principle that allows the medicine to simultaneously reduce pain, ease localized swelling, and help lower fever. Its primary benefit lies in providing effective symptomatic relief by tackling the underlying inflammatory process directly, a function that is characteristic of this specific NSAID class.

What side effects are possible with Дексалгин?

Official Safety Profile and Adverse Reactions

The safety profile of dexketoprofen trometamol, an NSAID, is defined by official regulatory documentation (e.g., SmPC, FDA labels) which classifies possible adverse reactions by frequency and affected physiological system.

Frequency-Classified Adverse Reactions

The most Common adverse reactions documented involve the Gastrointestinal System, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and dyspepsia. Reactions classified as Uncommon include headache, dizziness, insomnia, gastritis, and rash. Rare effects encompass serious concerns such as peptic ulceration, haemorrhage, and perforation, as well as hepatic injury or acute renal failure. Very Rare reactions include severe hypersensitivity events like anaphylactic shock and serious blood disorders.

Frequency Classification Examples of Affected System-Organ Classes
Common Gastrointestinal Disorders
Uncommon Nervous System, Skin, General Disorders
Rare/Very Rare Gastrointestinal, Renal, Hepatic, Immune System, Blood

Serious Adverse Reactions and Risk Context

Serious adverse reactions listed in regulatory documents include Gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, or perforation, which can occur at any time during treatment, and severe skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome. The risk of these more serious adverse events is generally observed more frequently with long-term use.

Safety documentation includes specific considerations for Older Adults, who are recognized as being at an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse events. Furthermore, the medicine is contraindicated in individuals with active peptic ulceration, severe hepatic impairment, or moderate to severe renal impairment.

Overdose and Emergency Response

The documented overdose profile for Dexketoprofen trometamol, an NSAID, includes common initial manifestations such as Nausea, Vomiting, Epigastric pain, Diarrhea, Dizziness, and Lethargy. Less common, but documented, severe effects affecting the CNS can include Headache, Tinnitus, and Confusion.

Regulatory documents specify that severe or life-threatening outcomes can occur, which include Gastrointestinal bleeding, Acute renal failure, and profound central nervous system depression leading to Seizures or Coma. The regulatory guidance explicitly mandates that individuals must seek immediate medical attention upon suspected overdose and contact a Poison Control Center or emergency services. Immediate evaluation and treatment are required if serious adverse events are suspected.

No specific antidote is known for this overdose. Official management is therefore centered on symptomatic and supportive care. Specific regulatory procedures may include Gastric lavage and the administration of Activated charcoal and/or an osmotic cathartic, depending on the time of ingestion and clinical status. Hospital monitoring is often required, involving measurement of vital signs and diagnostic tests. Regulatory data notes that Elderly patients carry an increased risk for serious and potentially fatal gastrointestinal complications during toxicity.

Therapeutic Uses of Дексалгин

What Дексалгин Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

The primary role of this medication is to provide supportive relief for symptoms related to acute pain states across several therapeutic domains. This therapeutic scope applies to contexts marked by increased discomfort or tension, specifically for symptoms of mild to moderate intensity.

This medication is generally used to help with symptoms related to musculoskeletal pain, dysmenorrhea (painful periods), and dental pain, as well as discomfort following minor procedures. It is applied when supportive symptom management is appropriate, such as during phases when symptoms become more noticeable.

“The medicine is commonly used to help manage symptoms that interfere with daily comfort, supporting patients during episodes of heightened discomfort.”

It is relevant for easing symptoms that interfere with daily comfort, and may assist with the overall symptom load associated with inflammatory or irritative states. This supports patients during difficult episodes, contributing to helping maintain a sense of stability when symptoms are more noticeable.


Summary of Therapeutic Context

Target Symptom Clinical Contexts Patient Benefit
Pain, Inflammation, Fever Musculoskeletal injuries, dental procedures, renal colic, dysmenorrhea Supports the patient during difficult episodes by easing distress.

Regulatory References

  1. Summary of Product Characteristics – HPRA (Irish Medicines Board)

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Dexalgin (Dexketoprofen)?

Dexalgin, which contains the active substance dexketoprofen, is typically indicated for the short-term symptomatic treatment of acute pain of mild to moderate intensity. It is generally suitable for adults who can tolerate Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and who require relief from conditions such as musculoskeletal pain, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), or dental pain.


Contraindications and Restrictions

Certain individuals should not use Dexalgin due to the risk of serious side effects. Use is strictly prohibited for patients with a known history of hypersensitivity to dexketoprofen, other NSAIDs, or any excipients in the formulation.

Absolute contraindications also include:

  • Active or recurrent peptic ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding.
  • A history of bronchial asthma, bronchospasm, acute rhinitis, nasal polyps, angioedema, or urticaria following the use of aspirin or other NSAIDs.
  • Severe heart failure, moderately or severely impaired kidney function, or severe liver impairment.
  • Bleeding disorders or other coagulation problems.
  • The third trimester of pregnancy and breastfeeding.

It is also generally not recommended for children and adolescents due to a lack of sufficient data on safety and efficacy in these age groups.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

The official regulatory profile for Dexketoprofen trometamol strictly defines combinations that are contraindicated due to risk reinforcement and specifies interactions requiring close monitoring.

Contraindicated Combinations

Co-administration with Oral Anticoagulants, High-dose Heparin, Lithium, and Methotrexate at doses equal to or greater than 15 mg/week is contraindicated. These restrictions stem from a significant risk of hemorrhage or a pharmacokinetic interaction leading to potentially toxic plasma concentrations of the co-administered drug. The concurrent use of other Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) or high-dose Acetylsalicylic acid is also prohibited due to a pharmacodynamic risk of gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration.

Required Precautions and Exposure Modification

Combinations with Diuretics, ACE Inhibitors, and Angiotensin II Antagonists require caution, as they may reduce the efficacy of these agents and increase the risk of renal impairment. The risk of nephrotoxicity is enhanced when combined with Cyclosporin or Tacrolimus. An increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding is noted when co-administered with SSRIs.

Substance and Food Constraints

Consumption of alcohol is restricted due to heightened risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and enhanced central nervous system effects. Co-administration with food is officially noted to reduce the medicine's rate of absorption.

Regulatory documents also note that elderly patients face an increased risk of severe gastrointestinal effects when this drug is combined with other high-risk medicines.

Mechanism of Action

Molecular Blockade: Inhibiting Prostaglandin Synthesis

The core mechanism begins at the cellular level with dexketoprofen, the active molecule, acting as a non-selective inhibitor of the Cyclooxygenase ( COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes. By engaging the active site of these enzymes, the drug prevents the conversion of arachidonic acid into pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and thromboxanes. This action halts the initiation of the Arachidonic Acid Cascade that mediates physiological responses to local injury.

Physiological Cascade: Modulating Eicosanoid Signaling

The resulting reduction in prostaglandin levels initiates a precise physiological cascade that operates both peripherally and centrally. This molecular effect reduces the signaling intensity propagated by the COX pathway, which decreases the hyper-sensitization of peripheral nociceptors and the localized vasodilation that leads to increased vascular permeability. The mechanism is also applied centrally in the hypothalamus, where blocking PGE2 production results in the reversal of the elevated temperature set point.

Mechanistic Constraints: Pathway Specificity

The molecule's influence is constrained by its pathway specificity, meaning its effect is strongest in systems where physiological responses are driven primarily by COX-mediated prostaglandin synthesis. The resulting defined alteration of physiological signaling modulates the intensity of COX-mediated responses across affected tissues.

Dosage and Administration Information

The administration of Dexketoprofen trometamol, the active ingredient in Дексалгин, is defined by guidelines concerning route, dosage, and duration. The medicine is available for oral use as film-coated tablets or granules and for parenteral use (intramuscular or intravenous) in a solution form.

Official Dosing and Frequency

Route Standard Single Dose Maximum Total Daily Dose Frequency
Oral 12.5 mg or 25 mg 75 mg Every 4–8 hours, as required
Parenteral (IM/IV) 50 mg 150 mg Every 8–12 hours (minimum 6 hour interval)

Administration Guidelines and Duration

For acute use, oral forms are instructed to be taken at least 15 to 30 minutes before meals to facilitate faster absorption. The medicine is strictly intended for short-term use. Parenteral administration (IM or IV) is limited to a maximum of two days before the patient must transition to an oral analgesic. When administered intravenously, the 50 mg bolus must be injected slowly over no less than 15 seconds, or the solution must be diluted for a slow infusion lasting 10 to 30 minutes.

Population Adjustments

Specific dose adjustments are required for certain populations. Older adults and patients with mild hepatic or renal impairment must begin therapy at a reduced maximum total daily dose of 50 mg. The safety and efficacy in the pediatric population (children and adolescents) have not been established, and its use is not specified for this group.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Deksalgin


Evidence for Use in Acute Pain Following Dental Surgery

Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) have primarily been conducted as research observing short-term symptom patterns in acute pain situations, such as pain experienced following surgical tooth extraction. These studies were applied in research contexts involving fluctuating or unstable symptoms of pain, often comparing the medication to an inactive substance (placebo) or other standard analgesics.

Research described patterns observed in these studies, focusing on how quickly measured changes in discomfort scores were noted and how long any measured change was observed before the recording of other pain relievers. What remains uncertain in this specific setting is the applicability of the results to long-term pain. Because this research focused on single-dose models for episodic or acute changes in pain, the follow-up durations were limited, providing limited information for outcomes beyond the immediate post-operative hours.


Evidence for Use in Acute Pain Following Other Surgery

Research was evaluated in various post-operative scenarios, including pain following general and orthopedic surgical procedures. These studies primarily involved Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) using both the oral tablet form and the sterile solution for injection. Studies monitored outcomes capturing phases of heightened symptom activity, such as Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores for pain intensity at specific time points.

Some studies reported patterns of measured opioid consumption that varied across groups and surgical settings. Findings were mixed across different types of surgeries, and this variability highlights the importance of context in research findings. The research base relies heavily on acute, short-duration trials, and data on long-term outcomes are not fully established.


Evidence for Use in Musculoskeletal Pain and Inflammation

Research examined the substance in contexts of outcomes related to physical discomfort linked to acute musculoskeletal conditions, such as low back pain or temporary flare-ups of conditions like osteoarthritis. The research utilized Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and included observational settings evaluating daily-life functioning in populations of adults. Research focused on short-term symptom changes observed during phases of heightened symptom activity. Existing studies provide limited insight into the sustained management of these conditions.


What is Still Uncertain or Requires Further Research

While research describes the patterns observed in short-term, controlled settings, several areas remain uncertain. Data for certain complex groups remain insufficient. The research base relies heavily on acute, short-duration trials. Data on long-term outcomes are not fully established, and data related to continuous use over many weeks or months remain insufficient. Research does not determine whether an individual will respond similarly.

Key Studies & References

  1. Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) - Dexketoprofen Rowex 12.5mg film-coated tablets (Used for indications, special populations)
  2. Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) - Keral 25mg granules for oral solution (Used for indications, short-term use, GI/renal caution)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Дексалгин (FAQ)


Q: What kind of pain is Дексалгин typically used for?

A: Official regulatory documents state that this medicine is indicated for the short-term symptomatic treatment of acute pain of mild to moderate intensity. This covers common pain types such as musculoskeletal pain, dental pain, and painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea). The medicine is not intended for the management of chronic or long-term pain.


Q: Does Дексалгин contain opioids?

A: No, official product information classifies this medicine as a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID). It contains only the active substance dexketoprofen trometamol. NSAIDs are a separate class of medication and are not classified as opioid substances.


Q: Is Дексалгин the same as other medicines ending in '-profen'?

A: While the active ingredient, dexketoprofen, belongs to the 'profen' chemical family, it is a distinct chemical substance. Regulatory chemistry defines dexketoprofen as the single active S-(+)-enantiomer of ketoprofen. This specialized formulation is noted for its rapid absorption characteristics.


Q: How long does the effect of Дексалгин typically last?

A: The official product labeling indicates that the medicine is typically administered with a minimum interval of four to eight hours. This frequency provides a timeframe for when the effects may be observed. The medicine is strictly intended for short-term, acute use.


Q: Can Дексалгин cause drowsiness?

A: Yes, official safety documents list somnolence, which means sleepiness or drowsiness, as a potential side effect. Other central nervous system effects such as dizziness and insomnia are also reported. These reactions are typically classified as uncommon or rare events.


Q: Is there a risk of dependency or addiction with Дексалгин?

A: According to regulatory classification, this medicine is a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID). Based on its pharmacological class, it is not considered to be associated with a risk of dependency or addictive behavior.


Q: Is it safe to take Дексалгин if I am also taking an antidepressant?

A: Official warnings advise caution when using this medicine alongside certain antidepressants. Specifically, combining it with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Patients should ensure their physician is aware of all medications being taken.


Q: Are there specific warnings about using Дексалгин before surgery?

A: Regulatory documents note that the medicine is strictly contraindicated in patients with pre-existing bleeding disorders. It is also required to be used with extreme caution if receiving other therapy that interferes with blood clotting (haemostasis). These warnings are related to the risk of increased bleeding.


Q: Can this medicine affect my ability to drive or operate machinery?

A: Yes, official warnings state that this medicine may cause effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision in some individuals. Due to these potential effects, caution is necessary. For individuals experiencing these effects, activities requiring full alertness should be avoided.


Q: What is the difference between Дексалгин and the active ingredient, dexketoprofen?

A: Dexketoprofen is the name of the active chemical substance that provides the pain relief. The medicine is a single-ingredient drug based on its salt form, dexketoprofen trometamol. The name Дексалгин is the brand name used for the commercial product.


Q: Can using Дексалгин affect the results of blood tests?

A: Official safety information indicates that rare or very rare adverse reactions may include severe blood disorders or changes in liver and kidney parameters. Due to these potential reactions, laboratory monitoring may be considered necessary for some patients during treatment.


Q: Is it generally safe to take Дексалгин with stomach protective medication?

A: Official guidelines acknowledge that for patients considered to be at an increased risk of gastrointestinal issues, combination therapy may be considered. In these specific cases, protective agents, such as proton pump inhibitors, may be considered for co-administration.


Q: Does the effectiveness of Дексалгин vary based on the type of pain?

A: Research studies have examined the medicine across various types of acute pain, including dental pain and different surgical procedures. Research findings have shown some variability in effectiveness across these different acute pain settings and surgical procedures.


Q: What does the term 'peripheral' pain refer to in the context of this drug?

A: The medicine's mechanism of action is described as operating both peripherally and centrally. In this context, 'peripheral' refers to the action that takes place outside of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). The medicine acts locally to reduce the signaling of pain receptors (nociceptors) at the site of injury.


Q: What are the signs of a severe allergic reaction to Дексалгин described in official warnings?

A: Very rare but serious adverse reactions described in official warnings include severe hypersensitivity events, such as anaphylactic shock. This is classified as a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.


Q: What if I forget to take a dose of Дексалгин?

A: Since this medicine is prescribed for short-term use and is taken only when pain is felt, the focus is on taking it as needed. Regulatory documents do not provide specific instructions for a missed dose. Regulatory guidance emphasizes that the maximum total daily dose defined in the official guidelines should not be exceeded.


Q: Is there any research on Дексалгин's effect on inflammation markers?

A: The medicine is known to act by inhibiting the synthesis of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and thromboxanes, which are chemical messengers involved in inflammation. This action on prostaglandins defines the anti-inflammatory component of the drug's effect.

How should Дексалгин be stored and disposed of?

Official Storage and Disposal Requirements

Deksalgin (dexketoprofen) must be stored and disposed of according to specific conditions mandated in the regulatory labeling to maintain product stability and ensure public safety.

Requirement Type Official Condition
Temperature Store below 30^circC (degrees Celsius).
Protection Keep in the outer carton to protect from light and moisture.
Child Safety Must be kept out of the sight and reach of children.
Disposal Unused or expired product must be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

The 30^circC temperature limit is crucial for maintaining the labeled shelf-life. The packaging rules are mandated to prevent environmental degradation of the active ingredient. Disposal instructions require patients to adhere strictly to local pharmaceutical waste management guidelines, which often prohibit discarding the medicine into wastewater or general household trash.

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

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