The usage and efficacy of a combination analgesic preparation

Abstract

Combination analgesics are frequently prescribed for the treatment of a multitude of conditions. Many of these preparations contain agents with no proven analgesic efficacy. We examined 3059 patients using a new combination agent containing only paracetamol, codeine, and ibuprofen. It appears that despite a wide variation in the administration of the tablet that good pain relief was obtained by the patients. Patient compliance and tolerance of the tablet was good. A small number of adverse events was noted and these were mostly related to the non-steroidal  anti-inflammatory component of the tablet. None of the adverse events were considered serious. The tablet was prescribed for a wide range of conditions, most of which involved pain of an inflammatory nature. Most patients indicated that they would use this preparation again if needed.

Keywords: Analgesics, paracetamol, codeine phosphate, ibuprofen, non-steroidal anti inflammatory agents (NSAID), pain.