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Evidence summaries

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for the Common Cold

NSAIDs appear to be effective for relieving discomfort or pain and sneezing caused by the common cold. Their effect in relieving general respiratory symptoms such as cough or duration of colds is less clear. Level of evidence: "B"

A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 included 9 studies with a total of 1 069 subjects. Six trials compared NSAIDs with a placebo, three compared one NSAID with another. Five studies used ibuprofen, two used aspirin, and two studies used loxoprofen. Ketoprofen, fenoprofen, fentiazac, and naproxen were each used in one study. The duration of treatment varied from a single dose to two daily doses for seven days.

In a pooled analysis, NSAIDs did not significantly reduce the total symptom score (SMD -0.40, 95% CI -1.03 to 0.24, 3 studies), or duration of colds (MD -0.23, 95% CI -1.75 to 1.29, 2 studies). For respiratory symptoms, cough did not improve (SMD -0.05, 95% CI -0.66 to 0.56, 2 studies) but the sneezing score significantly improved (SMD -0.44, 95% CI -0.75 to -0.12, 2 studies). For outcomes related to the analgesic effects of NSAIDs (headache, ear pain, and muscle and joint pain) the treatment produced significant benefits. The risk of adverse effects with NSAIDs was low (RR 2.94, 95% CI 0.51 to 17.03, 2 studies).

Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by imprecise results (few patients for each outcome).

References

  • Kim SY, Chang YJ, Cho HM et al. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015;9():CD006362. [PubMed]

Primary/Secondary Keywords