IngentaConnect Efficacy of a paracetamol and caffeine combination in the treatme...

Authors: Ali, Z.¹; Burnett, I.¹; Eccles, R.²; North, M.¹; Jawad, M.²; Jawad, S.²; Clarke, G.¹; Milsom, I.³

Source: Current Medical Research and Opinion, Volume 23, Number 4, April 2007 , pp. 841-851(11)

Publisher: LibraPharm

Abstract:

Objective: Primary dysmenorrhoea is characterised by pain, cramping and backache at the time of menses. Despite the high prevalence of dysmenorrhoea, few sufficiently powered, placebo-controlled studies have examined the efficacy of over the counter analgesics in this condition. Furthermore, even fewer studies have directly examined the efficacy of analgesics on specific dysmenorrhoea symptoms.

Research design and main outcome measures: This was a single-dose, placebo-controlled, double blind, crossover study carried out in 320 women with moderate-to-severe dysmenorrhoea pain. At 2 h following dosing, 1 g paracetamol plus 130 mg caffeine led to significantly greater pain relief compared to 1 g paracetamol alone (p < 0.05), 130 mg caffeine alone (p < 0.01) or placebo (p < 0.01). The combination was also significantly more effective in relieving abdominal cramping and backache compared to the other treatment arms. No major treatment related adverse events were reported during this study.

Conclusions: When taken at recommended doses, both paracetamol and the combination of paracetamol and caffeine are safe and effective treatments for primary dysmenorrhoea. Consistent with results from other acute pain states, caffeine acts as an analgesic adjuvant and enhances the efficacy of paracetamol.

Keywords: BACKACHE; CRAMPING; MENSTRUAL; PAIN; WOMEN

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1185/030079907X182239

Affiliations: 1: GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, St George's Avenue, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 0DE, UK 2: Common Cold Centre and Healthcare Clinical Trials, Cardiff School of Biosciences, Museum Avenue, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3US, UK 3: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, SE-416 85 Gothenburg, Sweden

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Efficacy of a paracetamol and caffeine combination in the treatment of the key symptoms of primary dysmenorrhoea