Comparison of ibuprofen and AAC (acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine) for treating acute migraine episodes

Abstract

Background and Objective: Migraines are the third most prevalent diseases and the seventh most debilitating diseases in the world. Medical treatment options for acute migraine episodes are various while none are infinitely effective for all patients. The aim of the present study was to compare fixed combination of acetaminophen, aspirin and caffeine with ibuprofen (AAC) with ibuprofen. Materials and Methods: This double-blind clinical trial (Registration No. IRCT2017052930680N4) was performed upon patients attending the neurology clinic at Shahid Mostafa Khomeini General Hospital with complaint of headache. Treatment protocol for this study consisted of 2 medications prescribed for 4 consecutive episodes: Ibuprofen 400 mg and AAC tablets. Each patient received two sets of medication each for two episodes of headaches consisting of 2 of each drug. Pain perception was evaluated by 11-point Box Scale at three stages: prior to administration of the medication, and 2 and 6 hours after taking the medications and daily functions of the patient were assessed 6 hours after administering the medications by filling the Behavioral Rating Scale (BRS-6) which is a clinical assessment tool. Results: Results of this study demonstrated that difference in severity of pain after taking 2 Ibuprofen tablets and AAC in the first and second episodes of migraine was statistically significant. Furthermore, AAC as compared to Ibuprofen, helped considerably more by allowing patients to regain enough focus to continue their daily life (P=0.001). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that in patients with migraine, AAC is more effective than ibuprofen on improving patient's function and reducing pain.