Pain relief of sore throat with a new anti-inflammatory throat lozenge, ibuprofen 25 mg: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, international phase III study

Int J Clin Pract. 2017 Sep;71(9). doi: 10.1111/ijcp.12961. Epub 2017 Sep 4.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of a new oromucosal ibuprofen form, ibuprofen 25 mg lozenge, in single and repeat dosing for up to 4 days, to the matched placebo, in the treatment of acute sore throat pain in adults.

Methods: In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, adult patients with non-streptococcal sore throat and signs of moderate-to-severe associated pain (≥5 on the objective Tonsillo-Pharyngitis Assessment 21-point scale and ≥60 mm on the subjective 0-100 mm visual analogue Sore Throat Pain Intensity Scale [STPIS]) were assigned ibuprofen 25 mg (n=194) or matching placebo (n=191) lozenge treatment. Efficacy was assessed (at the investigating centre up to 2 hours after first dosing, then on an ambulatory basis) by parameters derived from patient's scores on scales of pain relief, pain intensity, and global efficacy assessment. The primary efficacy end-point was the time-weighted TOTal PAin Relief (TOTPAR) over 2 hours after first dosing using the Sore Throat Relief Scale (STRS). Safety and local tolerability were assessed.

Results: Ibuprofen 25 mg was superior to placebo on numerous pain relief parameters; TOTPAR was significantly higher with ibuprofen 25 mg over 2 hours after first dosing (P<.05), the effect being apparent from the first evaluation at 15 minutes (P<.05). The STPIS reduction in favour of ibuprofen 25 mg was not significant vs placebo. Mean STRS scores and patient's global efficacy assessment both reflected a higher efficacy of ibuprofen 25 mg over the 4-day treatment period with tests of statistical significance up to day 1 evening (P<.05), and, in patients with still clinically significant pain (n=128), after an average 4 days (P<.01). Ibuprofen 25 mg lozenge was well tolerated with a safety profile similar to placebo.

Conclusion: Low-dose ibuprofen 25 mg lozenge in repeat dosing provides in adults more efficacious and rapid relief of sore throat pain and is as well tolerated as placebo.

Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01785862.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase III
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / administration & dosage*
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Ibuprofen / administration & dosage*
  • Ibuprofen / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pharyngitis / diagnosis
  • Pharyngitis / drug therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Ibuprofen

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT01785862