Naproxen sodium: comparative efficacy and tolerability of two dosages for pain after joint surgery

In a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel trial, the efficacy and tolerability of two regimens of naproxen sodium were compared in a two-day treatment of moderate to severe pain following open surgery of the hip, shoulder, knee, and ankle joints. Of 147 patients enrolled, the data of 99 were valid for efficacy analysis, 45 in the low-dose regimen (day 1, 1,100 mg; day 2, 825 mg) and 54 in the high-dose regimen (1,650 mg/day). At 12 interviews each day, patients evaluated intensity of pain using numerical scales and recorded complaints. At the end of the study, overall efficacy was evaluated. Although there were no statistically significant differences between the two regimens for efficacy or tolerability, the high-dose regimen achieved greater pain relief in patients who had hip or shoulder surgery, suggesting that this regimen had greater cumulative efficacy for these patients.