A non-prescription analgesic alleviated migraine headache pain and symptoms
Question In patients with a history of migraine headache, can a non-prescription combination product (Excedrin Extra-Strength that contains acetaminophen [paracetamol], aspirin, and caffeine) reduce migraine headache pain and symptoms?
Design
3 randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trials with data combined for presentation.
Setting
20 clinical centres in the US.
Patients
1357 patients (mean age 36.7 y, 79% women) with a history of confirmed migraine headaches (International Headache Society criteria). Inclusion criteria were age ≥18 years, good health, migraine headache frequency from 1 headache every 2 months to 6 each month, moderate headache pain without treatment, and vomiting <20% of the episodes. 92% of patients used their assigned medication.
Intervention
677 patients were allocated to active medication (2 tablets of unbranded Excedrin Extra-Strength tablets, Bristol-Myers Squibb, that contained acetaminophen, 250 mg; …
