Acetaminophen vs Ibuprofen
Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease, as much as 50 per cent of the population has evidence of osteoarthritis detected at the age of 65. In patients with osteoarthritis, symptoms like joint swelling and prolonged morning stiffness were observed. These problems of joint pain are commonly treated by drugs like NSAIDs (Ibuprofen).
Abstract: The actual treatment for the Osteoarthritis of the knee is yet to be determined. However, here we compare the high dose of Ibuprofen and low dose of acetaminophen regarding their efficacy.
Method: In a clinical trial, 184 patients were given 1200 mg ibuprofen or 4000 mg of acetaminophen per day with chronic knee pain (Osteoarthritis). The subjects were evaluated after a certain period of time with various tests which include Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire and Physicians Global Assessment of arthritis.
Results: Nine of the 204 patients were considered eligible for the trial but failed to participate at the start of the trial for the initiation of drug therapy. The remaining 195 patients were assigned to a treatment group (5 assigned to acetaminophen, 3 assigned to low dose ibuprofen). The different groups had similar parameters like age, weight and duration of arthritis symptoms. Side effects were similar and minor in both groups.
Conclusions: In short term symptomatic treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee, the efficacy of ibuprofen was similar to that of acetaminophen whether the drugs were administered in an analgesic or inflammatory dose.
Discussion: Over the past decade, the dosages of NSAIDs recommended for the treatment of osteoarthritis have risen. In regard to this, there is also an increase in prescription costs and the risk of drug side effects particularly gastric problems.
Ibuprofen in a dose of 1200 mg per day is sufficient in treating joint pain due to osteoarthritis. On the other hand, acetaminophen, when administered over the long term, can cause a significant decrease in kidney function.
