Also indexed as: Orudis, Oruvail
Summary of
Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem
contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized
interactions.
 May Be Beneficial: Depletion or
interference—The medication may deplete or interfere with the absorption or
function of the nutrient. Taking these nutrients may help replenish them. |
Lithium*
|
Avoid: Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability—Avoid these supplements
when taking this medication since the supplement may decrease the absorption and/or activity
of the medication in the body. |
Willow*
|
|
Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this
medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results. |
Lithium*
White willow*
|
| Side effect reduction/prevention |
None known
|
| Supportive interaction |
None known
|
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the
interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific
evidence.
Interactions with Dietary Supplements
Lithium
Lithium is a mineral that may be present in some supplements and is also used in large amounts
to treat mood disorders such as manic-depression. Research has shown that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may increase
blood levels of lithium,1 resulting in side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, muscle weakness, and lack of
coordination. Though there is no research available to show that ketoprofen increases lithium
blood levels, until more information is available, people taking ketoprofen should talk with
their healthcare practitioner before supplementing with lithium.
Interactions with Herbs
Willow
(Salix alba)
Willow bark contains salicin, which is related to
aspirin. Both salicin and aspirin produce anti-inflammatory effects after they have been
converted to salicylic acid in the body. The interaction between salicylic acid and ketoprofen
is complex. While it may enhance the effectiveness of ketoprofen, salicylic acid also speeds
its elimination from the body.2 Consequently, people taking ketoprofen should avoid
herbal products that contain willow bark.
Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds
Food
Ketoprofen may cause stomach upset and should therefore be taken with food.3
Calories and Fat
Taking a slow-release form of ketoprofen with low-fat, low-calorie food may increase the
absorption of the drug, compared with taking it with a high-fat, high-calorie
meal.4 Individuals who eat a diet high in calories and fat may require an
adjustment in the daily amount of ketoprofen taken or may experience greater benefit by
switching to a low-fat, low-calorie diet. Consult a qualified professional about matching
ketoprofen dosage with dietary fat and calorie intake.
References:1. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ:
Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 3285–8.
2. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ:
Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 3285–8.
3. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ:
Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 3285–8.
4. Le Liboux A, Teule M, Frydman A, et al. Effect of diet on the single-
and multiple-dose pharmacokinetics of sustained-release ketoprofen. Eur J Clin
Pharmacol 1994;47:361–6.