The therapeutic effectiveness of ibuprofen on the symptoms of naturally acquired common colds

• Published in: American journal of rhinology Vol. 15; no. 4; pp. 239 - 242
• Main Authors: Winther, B, Mygind, N
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC 01.07.2001
• Subjects: Adult; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal - adverse effects; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal - therapeutic use; Common Cold - classification; Common Cold - drug therapy; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Ibuprofen - adverse effects; Ibuprofen - therapeutic use; Male; Middle Aged; Severity of Illness Index; Sneezing - drug effects
• ISSN: 1050-6586; 1945-8924; 1539-6290; 1945-8932
• DOI: 10.1177/194589240101500404

The pathogenesis of the common cold is associated with inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane with polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs)(1,2) and increased levels of inflammatory cytokines and mediators in nasal secretions.(3,4) We have investigated the effect of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) ibuprofen, 400 mg three times daily, in a placebo-controlled trial of 80 adults with naturally occurring common colds. Ibuprofen caused a significant reduction of headache (p = 0.008), earache (p = 0.01), muscle/joint pain (p = 0.045), and reduced body temperature (p = 0.02). There was a 40% reduction in the number of sneezes (p = 0.02) and a 33% reduction in the symptom score for sneezing (p = 0.04). This study did not detect any effect on other nasal symptoms.