Lack of acetaminophen ceiling effect on R-III nociceptive flexion reflex
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The analgesic efficacy of intravenous doses of acetaminophen (paracetamol) 0.5 g, 1 g and 2 g (administered as propacetamol) was assessed in 11 healthy subjects in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. The antinociceptive effect was assessed over 8 h by measurement of the nociceptive flexion reflex threshold (R-III) in response to selective transcutaneous electrical stimulations.
RESULTS: After acetaminophen 0.5 g, R-III increased to a mean maximum of 23% over baseline values; after 1 g to 28%, and after 2 g to 40%. The AUC(0-8 h) of the analgesic effects and the AUC(0-8 h) of plasma concentrations closely correlated and were dose-dependent: rs = 0.37, for R-III and rs = 0.94, for the plasma concentrations. Intravenous acetaminophen exerted a dose-dependent central antinociceptive effect.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 11 participants or records.
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