TOLERABILITY OF IBUPROFEN, ASPIRIN AND PARACETAMOL FOR THE TREATMENT OF COLD AND FLU SYMPTOMS AND SORE THROAT PAIN

Abstract

SUMMARYThis double‐blind randomised study compared the tolerability of ibuprofen (up to 1.2 g daily), aspirin and paracetamol (both up to 3 g daily) for up to seven days, in patients with mild to moderate pain resulting from cold/flu symptoms or sore throat (CF/ST) (n=2815). The main outcome was the rate of significant adverse events (SGAE). Rates of SGAE for ibuprofen, aspirin and paracetamol were respectively 12.0%, 15.7% and 12.3%. Ibuprofen was significantly better tolerated than aspirin (p=0.02) and had comparable tolerability with paracetamol. The latter was also true for total digestive system events and for abdominal pain and dyspepsia. In conclusion, in patients with CF/ST, ibuprofen used at over‐the‐counter doses is as well tolerated as paracetamol and much better tolerated than aspirin.