Sunday 15 November 2009, 12:00AM
PEARLS No. 201, October 2009, written by Brian R McAvoy
Clinical question
How effective are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
for the common cold?
Bottom line
In a pooled analysis, compared to placebo, NSAIDs did not
significantly reduce the total symptom score or duration of colds.
However, for outcomes related to the analgesic effects of NSAIDs
(headache, ear pain, and muscle and joint pain) NSAIDs produced
significant benefits, as well as a borderline benefit for malaise,
but throat irritation was not improved. NSAIDs showed mixed results
for chills. For respiratory symptoms, cough and nasal discharge
scores were not improved, but the sneezing score was significantly
improved. There was no evidence of increased frequency of adverse
effects in the NSAID treatment groups.
Caveat
The overall quality of studies was mixed, largely due to missing
information regarding randomisation procedures. Only 2 studies were
assessed as being of high quality.
Context
The common cold is the most common and widespread illness known
to humans. NSAIDs are drugs with analgesic, antipyretic, and in
higher doses, anti-inflammatory effects. NSAIDs have been widely
used for over a century for the treatment of pain and fever
associated with the common cold.
Cochrane Systematic Review
Kim SY et al. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the
common cold. Cochrane Reviews 2009, Issue 3. Article No. CD006362.
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006362.pub2. This review contains 9 studies
involving 1064 participants.
PEARLS No. 201, October 2009, written by Brian R McAvoy - download
pdf
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs of some benefit for the
common cold
Clinical question
How effective are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
for the common cold?
Bottom line
In a pooled analysis, compared to placebo, NSAIDs did not
significantly reduce the total symptom score or duration of colds.
However, for outcomes related to the analgesic effects of NSAIDs
(headache, ear pain, and muscle and joint pain) NSAIDs produced
significant benefits, as well as a borderline benefit for malaise,
but throat irritation was not improved. NSAIDs showed mixed results
for chills. For respiratory symptoms, cough and nasal discharge
scores were not improved, but the sneezing score was significantly
improved. There was no evidence of increased frequency of adverse
effects in the NSAID treatment groups.
Caveat
The overall quality of studies was mixed, largely due to missing
information regarding randomisation procedures. Only 2 studies were
assessed as being of high quality.
Context
The common cold is the most common and widespread illness known to
humans. NSAIDs are drugs with analgesic, antipyretic, and in higher
doses, anti-inflammatory effects. NSAIDs have been widely used for
over a century for the treatment of pain and fever associated with
the common cold.
Cochrane Systematic Review
Kim SY et al. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the common
cold. Cochrane Reviews 2009, Issue 3. Article No. CD006362. DOI:
10.1002/14651858.CD006362.pub2. This review contains 9 studies
involving 1064 participants.