88
Ibuprofen 400 mg Is as Effective as Higher Doses for Pain Relief
Full Title
Analgesic effect of oral ibuprofen 400, 600, and 800 mg; paracetamol 500 and 1000 mg; and paracetamol 1000 mg plus 60 mg codeine in acute postoperative pain: a single-dose, randomized, placebo-controlled, and double-blind study.
Summary
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study compared the pain-relieving effectiveness of different doses of ibuprofen and other common pain medications in 350 patients after third molar surgery. Patients received either ibuprofen at 400 mg, 600 mg, or 800 mg, paracetamol at 500 mg or 1000 mg, a paracetamol-codeine combination, or a placebo. The researchers measured pain intensity over 6 hours, time to pain relief, duration of effectiveness, and the number of patients needing additional medication. The key finding was that ibuprofen doses above 400 mg did not significantly increase pain relief. In other words, taking 600 mg or 800 mg of ibuprofen provides essentially the same benefit as taking 400 mg, but with a higher dose that increases the risk of side effects. All active ibuprofen doses were similarly effective, and adverse effects were low and mild across all groups. This study directly supports the recommendation that 400 mg of ibuprofen is a sufficient dose for effective pain and inflammation relief. Taking more does not provide additional benefit but does increase exposure and risk, particularly to the gastrointestinal system. This finding validates a low-dose strategy that maximizes therapeutic benefit while minimizing the potential for harm.