Ibuprofen superior to codeine for postoperative pain management: Study

NSAIDs are equal or superior to codeine for postoperative pain in all surgery types, subbgroups and outcome time points

Hamilton, Ontario: Adult patients treated with NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen) for postoperative pain had better pain control and lesser adverse effects than those treated with codeine (an opioid), according to a recent study in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal). This information can be used by clinicians for improving both opioid stewardship and pain management. 

"We found that patients randomized to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) following outpatient surgical procedures reported better pain scores, better global assessment scores, fewer adverse effects and no difference in bleeding events, compared with those receiving codeine," write the authors.

The researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 40 high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving more than 5100 adults to compare pain levels and safety of medications containing codeine, such as Tylenol #3, with NSAIDs. Patients who took NSAIDs had lower pain scores at 6 and 12 hours after treatment than patients taking codeine.

"In all surgery types, subgroups and outcome time points, NSAIDs were equal or superior to codeine for postoperative pain," writes Dr. Matthew Choi, Associate Professor of Surgery, McMaster University, with coauthors.

Codeine is widely used for postoperative pain management and is the most commonly prescribed opioid in Canada. However, codeine is associated with a range of adverse effects and potential misuse or addiction. Alternatives such as NSAIDs can help reduce opioid use in patients after dental and surgical procedures.

Reference:

The study titled, "Managing postoperative pain in adult outpatients: a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing codeine with NSAIDs," is published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. 

DOI: https://www.cmaj.ca/content/193/24/E895