Paracetamol might have similar gastrointestinal side-effects as ibuprofen and their combined effect appears to be not just additive but ‘synergistic’, a large community-based UK trial suggests.
In addition, the double-blind trial in people with knee pain found the combination therapy only provided ‘modest’ pain reduction and was unable to show a significant reduction in pain above that provided by ibuprofen alone.
Commenting on the study, Professor Ric Day, clinical pharmacologist and rheumatologist at Sydney's St Vincent's Hospital said: “we’re getting painted into a bit of a corner in how to treat muscular-skeletal non-malignant pain.”
“Using two drugs with different types of mechanisms seemed like a good idea. The increase in efficacy is there but it is not great. And...
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