title: Flurbiprofen microgranules for relief of sore throat: a randomised, double-blind trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Many people with sore throat seek, and are often inappropriately prescribed, antibiotics.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to determine the analgesic efficacy of flurbiprofen 8.75 mg microgranules versus placebo. These microgranules are a possible alternative treatment for patients with sore throat due to upper respiratory tract infection (URTI).
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multiple-dose study conducted at eight primary care sites in Australia.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants with sore throat of onset within the past 4 days received either flurbiprofen 8.75 mg microgranules or non-medicated placebo microgranules. Throat soreness, difficulty in swallowing, sore throat pain intensity, sore throat relief, oral temperature, and treatment benefits were all assessed at regular intervals.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 373 patients from eight centres, 186 received flurbiprofen 8.75 mg microgranules and 187 received placebo microgranules (intent-to-treat population). Throat soreness was significantly reduced over the first 2 hours after the first dose. Reductions in difficulty in swallowing were observed at all time points from 5 to 360 minutes after the first dose, after taking flurbiprofen microgranules versus placebo. Sore throat relief was also evident at 1 minute and lasted for at least 6 hours. The multiple-dose efficacy results showed reduction of difficulty in swallowing at the end of days 1-3 and sore throat relief at the end of day 1.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Microgranules containing flurbiprofen 8.75 mg provided fast and effective relief from sore throat due to URTI and represent an alternative treatment option to antibiotic therapy.
authors.affiliation: Hunter Pain Clinic, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. algoguy@gmail.com
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Russo
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bloch
authors.forename: Fred
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: de Looze
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.forename: Adrian
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shephard
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000700:Analgesics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001315:Australia; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005480:Flurbiprofen / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010612:Pharyngitis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D005480:Flurbiprofen
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