KETOPROFEN IN THE TREATMENT OF SORE THROAT - EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF A NONSTEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUG

Sore throat is one of the most common symptoms reported during visits to the primary care physician. In most cases, its cause is a viral infection (90 to 95% of acute pharyngitis in adults and 70-85% in children), but there are also cases of other etiologies of infection or pain resulting from surgical procedures (including dental) or mechanical injuries. In most cases, symptomatic treatment in the form of antiseptic, analgesic or anesthetic preparations is used to treat sore throat, regardless of the cause. Among the preparations available on the market, those containing ketoprofen have begun to gain popularity, which may prove to be an interesting alternative to the drugs currently used, both in the practice of a general practitioner and in hospital care. The results of the study indicate that ketoprofen is highly effective in treating sore throats caused by both infections and surgical procedures, including dental procedures. Studies comparing ketoprofen with benzidamine have shown better efficacy of ketoprofen, longer duration of action and fewer side effects. The efficacy of ketoprofen in the pediatric population has also been proven for both the treatment of sore throats of infectious origin and those arising from surgical procedures. Ketoprofen lysine salt is also effective in relieving pain occurring after tooth extractions, and has a good safety profile. Its efficacy is significantly higher than placebo and comparable to that of paracetamol, with no significant side effects. Thanks to its neutral pH, it also does not irritate the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract. The findings presented here suggest that ketoprofen may become an effective and safe alternative for the treatment of sore throat and localized oral pain in both outpatient and inpatient care. However, potential side effects should be monitored and further studies should be conducted to clearly assess the safety profile and efficacy of ketoprofen.