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Assessment of Morphine-induced Hyperalgesia and Analgesic Tolerance in Mice Using Thermal and Mechanical Nociceptive Modalities
Published on: July 29, 2014
Efficacy of OTC analgesics
1Pain Research and Nuffield Division of Anaesthetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. andrew.moore@ndcn.ox.ac.uk
International Journal of Clinical Practice. Supplement
|November 21, 2012
Summary
Many over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers lack efficacy data. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen are most effective for acute pain, while ibuprofen also excels for migraines.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Pain Management
- Evidence-Based Medicine
Background:
- Limited comparative efficacy data exists for many over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics.
- Assessing OTC analgesic effectiveness is crucial for informed consumer choice and clinical guidance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the relative efficacy of commonly available OTC analgesics for acute pain and migraine.
- To synthesize evidence from Cochrane reviews for OTC analgesic products at typical doses.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of Cochrane reviews on single-dose analgesics in acute pain and migraine.
- Utilized third molar extraction pain model for acute pain assessment (≥50% pain relief over 6 hours).
- Assessed migraine relief by reduction from moderate/severe to mild pain within 2 hours.
Main Results:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac showed high efficacy for acute pain.
- Combination products containing ibuprofen demonstrated significant analgesic effects.
- Aspirin and paracetamol-based products were less effective for acute pain.
- Single-dose ibuprofen 400 mg proved superior to aspirin and paracetamol for migraine relief.
Conclusions:
- Several OTC NSAIDs and ibuprofen-based combinations are highly effective for acute pain.
- Ibuprofen is a recommended option for migraine treatment.
- More research is needed to fill efficacy data gaps for many OTC analgesics.
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