Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) v paracetamol in osteoarthritis of the knee or hip at 4–6 weeks*
| Outcomes | Number of RCTs (n) | Components of the NSAIDs group | Standardised mean difference (95% CI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| *RCTs = randomised controlled trials; meta-analyses were done using a random effects model. CI defined in glossary. | |||
| †Significant differences favour NSAIDs. | |||
| Overall change in pain and disability | 2 (405) | Naproxen and diclofenac | 0.22 (0.02 to 0.43)† |
| Pain on motion | 2 (362) | Naproxen and ibuprofen (2400 mg/d) | 0.24 (0.00 to 0.48)† |
| Naproxen and ibuprofen (1200 mg/d) | 0.18 (−0.06 to 0.42) | ||
| Pain at rest or general pain | 3 (589) | Naproxen, ibuprofen (2400 mg/d), and diclofenac | 0.33 (0.15 to 0.50)† |
| Naproxen, ibuprofen (1200 mg/d), and diclofenac | 0.33 (0.15 to 0.51)† | ||
| Functional disability | 3 (589) | Naproxen, ibuprofen (2400 mg/d), and diclofenac | 0.19 (0.01 to 0.37)† |
| Naproxen, ibuprofen (1200 mg/d), and diclofenac | 0.18 (0.00 to 0.35)† | ||