Articles: analgesics.
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Meta Analysis
Analgesic efficacy and safety of paracetamol-codeine combinations versus paracetamol alone: a systematic review.
To assess whether adding codeine to paracetamol has an additive analgesic effect; to assess the safety of paracetamol-codeine combinations versus paracetamol alone. ⋯ Systematic literature review with meta-analysis, methodological quality of published trials being scored by means of 13 predefined criteria.
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Meta Analysis
Analgesic efficacy of paracetamol and its combination with codeine and caffeine in surgical pain--a meta-analysis.
The objective of this study was to quantify the analgesic efficacy of paracetamol and its combination with codeine or caffeine through a systematic overview and meta-analysis of relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Systematic retrieval of relevant clinical trials was carried out using computerized searches, historical searches and communication with manufacturers. The results of RCTs were pooled to estimate (i) the difference in percentage improvement of total pain relief (TOTPAR%) and the sum of pain intensity difference (SPID%); (ii) the proportions of patients obtaining moderate to excellent pain relief relative to placebo (ResRR) and (iii) the ratio of patients requiring analgesic re-medication (RemRR). ⋯ In conclusion paracetamol is an effective analgesic for post-surgical pain. Caffeine adds little to the analgesic effect of paracetamol. However, there is some evidence that codeine 60 mg adds to the analgesic effects of paracetamol 600 mg, using pain relief or pain intensity scores as outcomes, but this is not necessarily translated into an increase in number of patients who obtain moderate to excellent pain relief.
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Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Treatments for postherpetic neuralgia--a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
A number of different therapies have been used for postherpetic neuralgia. We decided to conduct a systematic review of existing randomized controlled trials. ⋯ Based on evidence from randomized trials, tricyclic anti-depressants appear to be the only agents of proven benefit for established postherpetic neuralgia.