Comparing the efficacy and patient satisfaction in the use of ibuprofen and ibuprofen with lozenge treatment in sore throat patients.

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the pain-relief efficacy for non-bacterial sore throat by comparing ibuprofen alone with ibuprofen combined with lozenges containing amylmetacresol 0.6 mg (AMC) and 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol 1.2 mg (DCBA).

Methods: In this randomized, open-label trial, sore throat patients meeting inclusion criteria were recruited from drugstores. Patients received either ibuprofen alone or ibuprofen with AMC/DCBA lozenges. Pain scores were recorded at 0, 30, 60, 120, and 360 minutes, and on days 3 and 5. Efficacy was measured by total pain relief score (TOTPAR) and pain relief difference over 360 minutes and on day 3. Safety and patient satisfaction were assessed on day 3.

Key findings: TOTPAR and pain relief differences were not significant at all measured times, with P = 0.77 and 0.68, respectively. Over 95% of patients in both treatments reported no pain on day 3. The pain reduction time for ibuprofen with AMC/DCBA lozenge was 0-30 minutes, while for ibuprofen alone, it was 0-60 minutes, showing a significant difference in comparison to 0-15 minutes (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found in safety and patient satisfaction.

Conclusions: Combining AMC/DCBA lozenges with ibuprofen in community pharmacies enhances sore throat management by providing faster relief without affecting overall efficacy. This study highlights the potential of lozenges to complement standard care, improve satisfaction, and reduce antibiotic reliance.