Clinical drug investigation
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To compare the antipyretic and analgesic effects of a single oral dose of diclofenac potassium 6.25, 12.5 or 25mg with paracetamol 1000mg and placebo in patients with fever resulting from acute febrile sore throat. ⋯ Diclofenac potassium administered as single doses of 12.5 and 25mg significantly reduced fever and throat pain in patients with acute febrile sore throat. The overall efficacy of these doses was rated significantly higher than that of paracetamol 1000mg or placebo. A dose-response relationship was seen between placebo and the three diclofenac doses. On most outcomes, paracetamol 1000mg was similar to or only slightly better than the diclofenac potassium 6.25mg dose. Diclofenac potassium 12.5mg is the lowest unit dose that could be recommended to provide reliable reduction of oral temperature and relief of throat pain.
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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been widely used for pain relief in patients with renal colic. Dexketoprofen trometamol is an NSAID that has demonstrated good analgesic efficacy and a good safety profile after oral administration in different models of acute and chronic pain. ⋯ Dexketoprofen trometamol is a good analgesic for the treatment of moderate to severe pain due to renal colic, with a good safety profile and an efficacy comparable to that of dipyrone. The significantly greater effect of dexketoprofen trometamol early after administration suggests a faster onset of action, which can be of paramount importance in this condition.
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Propofol is approved both for anaesthesia and sedation during intensive care. Serious adverse reactions with propofol have recently been reported, but patient exposure to the drug is unknown. ⋯ The use of propofol is increasing in Finland. Half of the propofol was used in anaesthesia units and half in intensive care units. We propose the following defined daily doses: 175mg for anaesthesia induction; 750 mg/patient-hour for anaesthesia maintenance; and 4200 mg/patient-day for sedation in intensive care.M.