Acute analgesic effect of paracetamol in primary care: Incomplete evidence
Abstract
This meta-analysis assessed the analgesic effect of a single oral dose of paracetamol versus placebo in adults, in primary care. Parallel randomized studies were searched on MEDLINE®, CENTRAL®, and EMBASE®. We found five studies on sore throat (842 patients) and 12 studies on headache (3433 patients). None related to low back pain. Regardless of the outcome, paracetamol was superior to placebo (number need to treat [NNT]=4-5; standardized mean difference [SMD]=0.51-0.92). Additional clinical trials in other primary care conditions, like low back pain, must be conducted.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 3,433 participants or records.
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