Prospective, randomized single-blind, multicenter comparison of the analgesic efficacy of flurbiprofen/ thiocolchicoside and ibuprofen in myalgia complaints in SARS-CoV-2 patients

 Myalgia is a common symptom in patients with COVID-19. NSAIDs perform pain suppression mechanisms by suppressing prostaglandin synthesis through inhibition of cyclooxygenase enzyme (COX). Thiocolchicoside activates GABA and Glycine receptors at the spinal level and exerts a myorelaxant effect. The aim of this study is to compare the analgesic efficacy of two drugs, the active ingredients of which are ibuprofen and flurbiprofen/ thiocolchicoside.

 The study was designed according to a multicenter, prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial model. A power analysis was performed based on the study of Derosa et al. including patients with myalgia complaints(11). By accepting 80% power and 5% type-1 error, the number of patients to be included in each group was calculated as at least 68. We planned to include 100 patients in each group, taking into account data losses and patients who may drop out of the study during follow-up (n=200).

 According to the results of the study, the difference between baseline and 2nd day NRS and the difference between baseline and 3rd day NRS were found to be statistically significantly higher in the group using ibuprofen 800 mg retard TB (P<0.05).

 In the treatment and follow-up of patients with COVID-19 and myalgia complaints, ibuprofen 800 mg retard tb can be preferred primarily because its effectiveness is superior and no side effects are observed.