Acetaminophen is ineffective for short-term treatment of low back pain and has limited benefit for patients with knee or hip osteoarthritis, according to a systematic review of randomized, controlled trials by Gustavo Machado and his associates.
In three trials, there was no significant difference between acetaminophen and a placebo on pain relief for people with low back pain. In 10 trials involving patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis, acetaminophen provided a statistically significant benefit over placebo, but the effect was small. There were similar rates of adverse side effects, medication adherence, and use of rescue medication in both groups.
The review also “found higher risk of abnormal results on liver function tests in patients taking [acetaminophen], though the clinical implications of this are uncertain,” the investigators said.
Find the full review in the BMJ (doi:10.1136/bmj.h1225).
