The therapeutic effectiveness of ibuprofen on the symptoms of naturally acquired common colds.
The pathogenesis of the common cold is associated with inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane with polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs)(1,2) and increased levels of inflammatory cytokines and mediators in nasal secretions.(3,4) We have investigated the effect of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) ibuprofen, 400 mg three times daily, in a placebo-controlled trial of 80 adults with naturally occurring common colds. Ibuprofen caused a significant reduction of headache (p = 0.008), earache (p = 0.01), muscle/joint pain (p = 0.045), and reduced body temperature (p = 0.02). There was a 40% reduction in the number of sneezes (p = 0.02) and a 33% reduction in the symptom score for sneezing (p = 0.04). This study did not detect any effect on other nasal symptoms.
Winther
B
B
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Denmark.
Mygind
N
N
D000328:Adult; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003139:Common Cold / Q000145:classification / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007052:Ibuprofen / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012912:Sneezing / Q000187:drug effects
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D007052:Ibuprofen