An In-Depth Review on Recent Developments in Oral Ketoprofen Delivery: Strategies for Enhanced Therapeutic Performance

Abstract

Ketoprofen, a widely prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), suffers from limited oral bioavailability due to poor solubility and a short half-life, leading to frequent dosing and potential gastric irritation. This review examines recent advancements in oral Ketoprofen delivery, reporting clear findings in bioavailability improvement and gastric protection. Controlled-release systems—such as Zn-alginate beads, polysaccharide hydrogels, and monolithic osmotic tablets—demonstrated sustained drug release with reduced gastric side effects, extending anti-inflammatory action up to 7 hours. Oral-dissolving formulations, including fast-disintegrating tablets and electrospun fibers, showed enhanced dissolution rates and improved patient compliance, particularly benefiting individuals with swallowing difficulties. Complexation with polymers (e.g., polyacrylamide-grafted gum and sodium alginate) created pH-sensitive microbeads that released 83% of Ketoprofen at neutral pH, supporting gastro-protective effects. Lipid-based formulations, such as nanostructured lipid carriers and self-emulsifying systems, effectively improved solubility and permeability, enhancing Ketoprofen’s absorption by up to 2.4 times. These findings underscore the potential of tailored delivery systems in optimizing Ketoprofen's therapeutic efficacy, safety, and patient adherence.