Drug Interaction Report

Ketoprofen and Probenecid: Interaction Details

A pharmacist-reviewed analysis of the Ketoprofen and Probenecid interaction: the documented clinical effects, severity rating, onset, mechanism, and management considerations, with cited references throughout.

AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature

Probenecid

No brand names on record
+

Ketoprofen

Actron® Ketofen Ketomed Kiprofen Nexcede® Orudis Orudis® Orudis® KT
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Updated Aug 8, 2026
Editorial policy · Data sources
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Interaction severity
Major
Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
How we grade severity & evidence

Severity levels

  • Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
  • Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
  • Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
  • Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.

Evidence grades

  • Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
  • Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
  • Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
  • Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
  • Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.

Of 289 documented Ketoprofen interactions, 226 are rated major — including this one.
Worried about symptoms right now? Contact your pharmacist or prescriber, or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (US). Call 911 for an emergency.
Onset
delayed
Evidence
probable
Severity
Major

What happens

Increased risk of ketoprofen exposure and an increased risk of ketoprofen side effects (dizziness, drowsiness, tinnitus, renal function impairment, gastrointestinal symptoms)

Interaction Deep Dive

Concomitant use of probenecid with ketoprofen is not recommended as it may increase ketoprofen exposure. Although the clinical significance of this observation has not been established, a lower dosage of ketoprofen may be required to produce a therapeutic effect, and if coadministered, cautiously increase ketoprofen dosage in small increments. Although specific instances of toxicity due to this potential interaction have not been observed to date, be alert to this possibility1. Coadministered probenecid increases exposure of ketoprofen. Probable mechanisms include inhibition of renal tubular secretion and glucuronidation 234.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Inhibition of ketoprofen glucuronidation

Literature reports

1 report — tap to read

a) Coadministered probenecid increases exposure of ketoprofen. Probable mechanisms include inhibition of renal tubular secretion and glucuronidation 234.

Common questions

Can I take Ketoprofen and Probenecid together?

Increased risk of ketoprofen exposure and an increased risk of ketoprofen side effects (dizziness, drowsiness, tinnitus, renal function impairment, gastrointestinal symptoms) Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Ketoprofen and Probenecid interaction?

It is rated major. Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.

How quickly could this interaction happen?

The documented onset is "delayed". Effects tend to build up gradually over days to weeks.

How strong is the evidence for this interaction?

The evidence is graded "probable". Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.

From our Q&A

Real reader questions about these medications, each personally answered by our pharmacist:

Questions for your pharmacist

  • Does my dose of Ketoprofen or Probenecid need adjusting while I take them together?
  • What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
  • Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
  • Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?

References (4)

  1. Product Information: PROBENECID oral tablet, probenecid oral tablet. Lannett Company (per DailyMed), Philadelphia, PA, 2021. DailyMed
  2. Upton RA, Williams RL, Buskin JN, et al: Effects of probenecid on ketoprofen kinetics. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1982; 31:705-712. PubMed
  3. Fakhreddin J & Brocks DR: Clinical pharmacokinetics of ketoprofen and its enantiomers. Clin Pharmacokinet 1990; 19:197-217. PubMed
  4. Verbeeck RK: Pharmacokinetic drug interactions with nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drugs. Clin Pharmacokinet 1990; 19:44-66. PubMed
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Probenecid

Keep reading about Probenecid

All Probenecid interactions (59)
Also serious with: Ketorolac Ketorolac Nasal Spray Mesalamine Ketorolac Ophthalmic
Ketoprofen

Keep reading about Ketoprofen

All Ketoprofen interactions (289) Ketoprofen drug information
Also serious with: Ketorolac Nasal Spray Ketorolac Ketorolac Injection Ketorolac Ophthalmic
Beyond drug–drug

These medications also interact with supplements

Prescription drugs aren't the whole picture — herbal and dietary supplements can interact with them too. From the evidence-graded Natural Medicines database:

Probenecid + Activated Charcoal Asarabacca Siberian Cocklebur African Wild Potato Aristolochia Banderol Caffeic Acid Coffee Charcoal + 22 more
Ketoprofen + Activated Charcoal Asarabacca Beer Danshen Piracetam Siberian Cocklebur Wine Aconite + 244 more

major · moderate · minor — check everything you take with our drug–supplement interaction checker.

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This information is for education, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without talking to your pharmacist or prescriber.