Ibuprofen efficacy for sore throat pain
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Ibuprofen Efficacy for Sore Throat Pain: Clinical Evidence
Ibuprofen vs. Placebo and Other Analgesics for Sore Throat Pain Relief
Multiple studies have shown that ibuprofen is effective in reducing sore throat pain. In adults with tonsillopharyngitis, a single 400 mg dose of ibuprofen provided significantly greater pain relief than placebo across all measured outcomes, including pain intensity, pain relief, and difficulty swallowing. Ibuprofen was also more effective than acetaminophen (paracetamol) 1000 mg at all time points after two hours and overall, with no reported side effects in the study population . Another double-blind study in adults with acute sore throat confirmed that ibuprofen 400 mg was significantly more effective than paracetamol 1000 mg for pain intensity, difficulty swallowing, and global pain relief at all measured time points, with no significant difference in adverse effects between the two drugs .
Ibuprofen for Sore Throat Pain in Children
Research in children aged 2 to 12 years with acute sore throat found that ibuprofen (10 mg/kg) was significantly more effective than placebo for pain relief, as rated by children, parents, and pediatricians. Both ibuprofen and acetaminophen reduced pain and fever, with no treatment-related adverse effects observed . This supports the use of ibuprofen as an effective analgesic for sore throat pain in pediatric populations.
Ibuprofen Compared to Acetaminophen: Mixed Findings
Some studies have found no significant difference between ibuprofen and acetaminophen in reducing sore throat pain and fever in adults, suggesting both are equally effective as analgesics and antipyretics 45. However, other studies consistently show ibuprofen to be more effective than acetaminophen for sore throat pain relief, especially in the first several hours after dosing 12.
Combination Therapy and Post-Tonsillectomy Pain
In children recovering from tonsillectomy, combining ibuprofen with paracetamol was found to be more effective in managing pain than ibuprofen alone, with a higher proportion of children reporting no pain when treated with the combination . This suggests that combination therapy may offer additional benefits for severe or post-surgical sore throat pain.
NSAIDs, Including Ibuprofen, for Sore Throat in Respiratory Infections
Systematic reviews and clinical guidelines recommend NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, for the outpatient management of sore throat pain in both adults and children with viral or bacterial pharyngitis. Most studies show significant pain relief with NSAIDs, and their use is considered beneficial for mild-to-moderate sore throat pain 789.
Tolerability and Safety of Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen, when used at over-the-counter doses, is as well tolerated as paracetamol and better tolerated than aspirin for the treatment of sore throat pain and other cold/flu symptoms. The incidence of significant adverse events is low and comparable to paracetamol, with gastrointestinal discomfort being the most commonly reported side effect, especially in children 107.
Conclusion
Ibuprofen is an effective and well-tolerated option for relieving sore throat pain in both adults and children. It is generally more effective than acetaminophen for this purpose, though both drugs provide significant pain relief. Combination therapy with ibuprofen and paracetamol may offer additional benefits in certain cases, such as post-tonsillectomy pain in children. Overall, ibuprofen is a recommended choice for managing sore throat pain due to its efficacy and safety profile.
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