Effects of naproxen on experimental rhinovirus colds. A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether naproxen, a propionic acid inhibitor of cyclooxygenase, alters the course of experimental rhinovirus colds.


METHODS
A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.


METHODS
Rhinovirus challenge model in volunteers cloistered in individual hotel rooms.


METHODS
Eighty-seven healthy young adults with serum neutralizing antibody titers of less than or equal to 1:2 to the challenge virus; 79 were evaluable.


METHODS
Thirty-nine participants received naproxen (loading dose, 400 mg or 500 mg followed by 200 mg or 500 mg three times daily for 5 days). Forty participants received placebo. Treatment was started 6 hours after viral challenge.


METHODS
Daily measurement of viral titers, symptoms, nasal mucus production, and nasal tissue use; incidence of infection and illness; and measurement of homotypic serum neutralizing antibody responses.


RESULTS
Viral titers and serum homotypic antibody responses were similar in the naproxen and placebo groups. Significant reductions in headache, malaise, myalgia, and cough occurred in the naproxen group. A 29% reduction was noted in the total (5-day) symptom score in the naproxen group (95% CI, 16% to 42%).


CONCLUSIONS
Naproxen treatment did not alter virus shedding or serum neutralizing antibody responses in participants with experimental rhinovirus colds, but it had a beneficial effect on the symptoms of headache, malaise, myalgia, and cough. Prostaglandins may be among the inflammatory mediators that play a role in the pathogenesis of rhinovirus colds.
Sperber
S J
SJ
University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville.
Hendley
J O
JO
Hayden
F G
FG
Riker
D K
DK
Sorrentino
J V
JV
Gwaltney
J M
JM
D000328:Adult; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000187:drug effects; D003139:Common Cold / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009288:Naproxen / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009500:Neutralization Tests; D012229:Rhinovirus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D009288:Naproxen