A definitive* table of the effectiveness of pain relief medications.

Note that anything ending in ...coxib has been withdrawn for sale due
to large increases in heart related fatalities (and a $US1BN dollar
settlement).

Introductory article and summary table here
=A0 =A0 =A0 =A0 =A0 http://www.medicine.ox.ac.uk/bandolier/booth/painpag/Ac=
utrev/Analgesics/Leagtab.html
Note that figure 1 gives a subset of products with no apparent reason
for the choices made.
It's interesting that the most effective over the counter analgesics
(at very high doses) are rated as more effective than 10 mg (not =A030
mg - despite fig 1 ) intramuscular morphine.

* For why I say "definitive" - see article.

Combination analgesics table
=A0 =A0http://www.medicine.ox.ac.uk/bandolier/booth/painpag/Acutrev/Analges=
ics/Acutepain2007combo.pdf

Once the "coxibs" have been removed =A0the clear "winner" appears to be
Diclofenac 100, followed by Paracetamol 1000 + Codeine 60.
Paracetamol 1000 alone is about half as effective.
Note !!!! - FDA guidelines (based on an extensive investigation),
issued since this survey was completed, place Paracetamol 1000 above
the maximum safe single dose (due to excessive incidence of liver
damage when previously recommended levels were used.)

Diclofenac 100 mg is usually a once per day dose whereas Diclofenac 75
is prescribed twice daily.
(Up to 25mg fast release available over the counter in NZ. 50, 75, 100
mg slow release by presecription only).
Diclofenac efficacy is reported to extend well beyond the period that
serum levels would suggest it should, possibly due to retained levels
in sinovial fluid.
(Diclofenac is also sold under the Voltaran brand name)

Simultaneous use of Paracetamol+ Codeine and Diclofenac does not seem
to be generally contraindicated, although, if you get to needing that
order of pain relief you'd expect to be dealing with medical
professionals

Full table in PDF format
=A0 =A0http://www.medicine.ox.ac.uk/bandolier/booth/painpag/Acutrev/Analges=
ics/Acutepain2007.pdf
Full table html format
=A0 =A0http://www.medicine.ox.ac.uk/bandolier/booth/painpag/Acutrev/Analges=
ics/lftab.html



=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0 Russell

-- =

http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist