Tolerability of ibuprofen, aspirin and paracetamol for the treatment of cold and flu symptoms and sore throat pain.
This double-blind randomised study compared the tolerability of ibuprofen (up to 1.2 g daily), aspirin and paracetamol (both up to 3 g daily) for up to seven days, in patients with mild to moderate pain resulting from cold/flu symptoms or sore throat (CF/ST) (n = 2,815). The main outcome was the rate of significant adverse events (SGAE). Rates of SGAE for ibuprofen, aspirin and paracetamol were respectively 12.0%, 15.7% and 12.3%. Ibuprofen was significantly better tolerated than aspirin (p = 0.02) and had comparable tolerability with paracetamol. The latter was also true for total digestive system events and for abdominal pain and dyspepsia. In conclusion, in patients with CF/ST, ibuprofen used at over-the-counter doses is as well tolerated as paracetamol and much better tolerated than aspirin.
Moore
N
N
Department of Pharmacology, University Victor Segalen, Bordeaux, France.
Le Parc
J M
JM
van Ganse
E
E
Wall
R
R
Schneid
H
H
Cairns
R
R
D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000009:adverse effects; D000328:Adult; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001241:Aspirin / Q000009:adverse effects; D003139:Common Cold / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007052:Ibuprofen / Q000009:adverse effects; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010612:Pharyngitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D000082:Acetaminophen; D001241:Aspirin; D007052:Ibuprofen