Summary of clinical trials of ibuprofen in the treatment of non-specific and tension-type headache
This is a selection of clinical trials representative of the published work for this indication.

1. Comparisons with paracetamol

Study design
Single doses of ibuprofen (400 mg) and paracetamol (1000 mg) were compared in 455 people with tension-type headache. Pain relief was assessed over 4 hours post-dose.

This study was:
randomised
double-blind
placebo-controlled

Summary of results
Complete pain relief was reported by significantly more people treated and occurred significantly more quickly with ibuprofen than with paracetamol. Complete pain relief was achieved by 63% of people taking ibuprofen, significantly more than with paracetamol (34%) or placebo (7%).

Reference
Schactel BP et al. Nonprescription ibuprofen and acetaminophen in the treatment of tension-type headache. J Clin Pharmacol 1996;36:1120-5

2. Comparison with paracetamol and aspirin

Study design
Single doses of ibuprofen (400 mg), aspirin (650 or 1000 mg), and paracetamol (1000 mg) were compared in 395 evaluable people with headache. Pain relief was assessed over 3 hours post-dose.

This study was:
randomised
single blind

Summary of results
Pain relief was significantly greater with ibuprofen than with paracetamol or aspirin 650 mg; there was no significant difference between ibuprofen and aspirin 1000 mg. Patient ratings of treatment efficacy favoured ibuprofen. The frequency of adverse effects was similar for ibuprofen and paracetamol and numerically less than those reported for aspirin.

Reference
Noyelle RM et al. Ibuprofen, aspirin, and paracetamol compared in a community study. Pharm J 1987;238:561-4