Analgesic properties of dexketoprofen trometamol

SUMMARY Dexketoprofen trometamol is the dextrorotary enantiomer of the NSAID ketoprofen formulated as a tromethamine salt. The purpose of administering 50% of the racemic mixture is to keep the same analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect while reducing the adverse events due to both enantiomers. This article describes the pharmacological properties and evaluates the analgesic effects of dexketoprofen trometamol reported in acute and chronic pain conditions. The main conclusions are that dexketoprofen trometamol appears as effective as the double dose of the racemic drug. However, the reduction of adverse effects still has to be demonstrated. In addition, the formulation as tromethamine salt appears beneficial regarding fast onset of analgesia in acute pain conditions.