Ibuprofen beats pain ‘better than codeine’

‘But as its inexpensive and readily available without prescription GPS prescribe addictive opioid instead’

Ibuprofen, the cheap over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relief drug, out-performs the more widely-prescribed codeine, say researchers. Patients feel less pain in a shorter time while using ibuprofen, in comparison with the prescribed competitor, the addictive codeine, prescription of which has increased dramatically. A survey of 5,100 people across 40 trials found that they felt far less pain within just six to 12 hours taking the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory.

IBUPROFEN, the cheap over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relief drug, out-performs the more widely-prescribed codeine, say researchers.

A paper found that patients feel less pain in a shorter time period while using ibuprofen, in comparison with the prescribed competitor codeine.

Codeine prescription has increased dramatically over the past several years. A survey of 5,100 people across 40 trials found that they felt far less pain within just six to 12 hours with the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Ibuprofen, sold in the UK at 30p for 16 200mg tablets, is also less addictive. Codeine is the most commonly prescribed opioid in the UK, with 2,456 prescriptions for every 10,000 citizens.

The amount being handed out by GPS increased five-fold from 2006 to 2017.

Dr Matthew Choi, at Mcmaster University in Canada, which published the paper said: “In all surgery types, subgroups and outcome time points, NSAIDS were equal or superior to codeine for postoperative pain.

“Patients randomised to NSAIDS following outpatient surgical procedures reported better pain scores, better global assessment, fewer adverse effects and no difference in bleeding events, compared with codeine.”

Dr Vikas Mehta from the Mayfair GP in London said: “Many doctors are under a lot of pressure in the NHS, because of the sheer volume of patients. Many doctors prescribe codeine just so people do not feel dismissed with a prescription for something that they can over the counter. NHS doctors do not have much time to go through a patient’s needs like the private sector.

“Common painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol really are the best drug to start off with. The majority of pain in the UK – anything ending in itus, such as tonsillitis – is inflammatory pain, so ibuprofen would be best for these. Although that can be problematic for any patients with kidney or tummy issues, as prolonged use of the drug can trigger certain conditions.

“Anyone with these problems should not be taking ibuprofen. Whether or not a person should take ibuprofen really does vary from person to person.

“Codeine is highly addictive and there is an opioid crisis in the US because of that, which we do not want to see in the UK.”

Dr Rosie Shire GP, of the Doctors Association UK, hoped more would take ibuprofen over codeine. She said: “While ibuprofen is a good pain reliever, particularly in taking down swelling, codeine, which is an opioid, is also very good. Ibuprofen is not prescribed because it is available cheaply, so if you were to look at the straight data on prescriptions, it would explain why codeine is prescribed so much more.

“There are side effects of both, particularly with ibuprofen as it can cause tummy issues, and anyone taking any kind of blood thinner should not take it.

“A common side effect with codeine is that it causes constipation. Ibuprofen is not as addictive.”

The research was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.