McCarthy DM. Efficacy and gastrointestinal risk of aspirin used for the treatment of pain and cold.
Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 2012;
26:101-12. [PMID:
22542149 PMCID:
PMC7185399 DOI:
10.1016/j.bpg.2012.01.008]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2011] [Accepted: 01/07/2012] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
AIMS
To analyse major sources of evidence-based information on the efficacy and gastrointestinal tolerability of aspirin, used short-term, in over-the-counter (OTC) doses, to relieve acute pain and cold symptoms, including associated feverishness.
METHODS
Evidence was largely collected from published meta-analyses and systematic reviews that focused on randomised, controlled, double-blind clinical trials, in which aspirin was compared to placebo and, in some cases also, to active comparators such as OTC doses of paracetamol or ibuprofen.
RESULTS
Across a large number of comparisons, aspirin was superior to placebo in treating pain, cold or fever. Efficacy was essentially similar to that of comparators used in equivalent doses. There was no serious GI adverse event attributed to ASA in any study, but mild-to-moderate dyspepsia in small percentages of cases was commonly reported.
CONCLUSION
OTC aspirin is safe and effective. Safety concerns should not limit brief use to relieve acute pain, cold or fever.
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