Editor’s Capsule Summary
What is already known on this topic
The coadministration of different analgesics may be synergistic.
What question this study addressed
Does the combination of acetaminophen 1,000 mg, ibuprofen 400 mg, and codeine 60 mg provide greater analgesia than acetaminophen 1,000 mg alone?
What this study adds to our knowledge
In this adequately powered, randomized, double-blind trial of 118 adults with acute musculoskeletal pain, pain scores were similar at 60 minutes in both groups. There were more adverse events in the combination group.
How this is relevant to clinical practice
At the standard doses studied, supplementing acetaminophen with ibuprofen and codeine does not enhance analgesia.