Comparison of risk of side effects (95% confidence intervals) with paracetamol versus placebo, and NSAIDs versus paracetamol
| Comparisons | GI discomfort | Nausea | Headache | Dizziness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| *p⩽0.05; GI, gastrointestinal. NSAIDs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. | ||||
| Paracetamol v placebo | ||||
| Crude rate | 5/55 v 6/55 | 1/25 v 0/25 | 2/55 v 2/55 | 1/55 v 7/55 |
| Weighted relative risk | 0.80 (0.27 to 2.37) | 3.00 (0.13 to 70.30) | 1.06 (0.16 to 6.95) | 0.36 (0.04 to 2.96) |
| NSAIDs overall v paracetamol | ||||
| Crude rate | 108/704 v 82/702 | 29/491 v 23/492 | 27/ 581 v 32/580 | 5/288 v 3/282 |
| Weighted relative risk | 1.35 (1.05 to 1.75)* | 1.26 (0.73 to 2.18) | 0.85 (0.52 to 1.40) | 1.57 (0.36 to 6.85) |
| Conventional NSAIDs v paracetamol | ||||
| Crude rate | 105/416 v 76/420 | 15/203 v 8/210 | 5/293 v 8/298 | — |
| Weighted relative risk | 1.39 (1.07 to 1.80)* | 1.94 (0.84 to 4.48) | 0.67 (0.23 to 1.96) | — |
| Coxibs v paracetamol | ||||
| Crude rate | 3/288 v 6/282 | 14/288 v 15/282 | 22/288 v 24/282 | 5/288 v 3/282 |
| Weighted relative risk | 0.65 (0.17 to 2.52) | 0.92 (0.45 to 1.89) | 0.91 (0.52 to 1.60) | 1.57 (0.36 to 6.85) |