Over-the-counter analgesics effective for acute postoperative pain

Combinations of ibuprofen plus paracetamol provided pain relief worked in 70% of people (NNT* 2), and fast acting ibuprofen formulations 200mg and 400mg, ibuprofen 200mg plus caffeine 100mg, and diclofenac potassium 50mg worked in over 50% of people (NNT close to 2). Dipyrone 500mg, which is available OTC in many parts of the world, also worked in about 50% of people. Paracetamol plus aspirin at various doses worked in 11% to 43% of people (NNT 3 or above). An important finding was that low doses of some medicines in fast acting formulations were among the best. Taking painkillers with food might reduce how well they work. There were fewer side effects for people taking ibuprofen plus paracetamol than those taking placebo. The quality of the evidence was good. *NNT = number needed to treat to benefit one individual.