NCT04059172 · University of Colorado, Denver
Efficacy of Combined Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen Therapy Versus Ibuprofen Alone Versus Placebo Alone for Pain Management
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of a combined ibuprofen and acetaminophen regimen in controlling discomfort for 4 days after initial orthodontic appliance placement as compared to ibuprofen alone or a placebo.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of a combined ibuprofen and acetaminophen regimen in controlling discomfort for 4 days after initial orthodontic appliance placement as compared to ibuprofen alone or a placebo. The hypothesis is that combined ibuprofen and acetaminophen therapy will effectively provide better pain control than ibuprofen alone or a placebo after orthodontic appliance placement.
Interventions
DRUG
Ibuprofen 200 mg and acetaminphen 650 mg
For morning appliance placement: dose #1 at approximately 9:00 a.m. as appointment starts; dose #2 6 hours later (3:00 p.m- or as soon after school and close to 3 pm as possible.); dose #3 another 6 hours later (9:00 p.m.); dose #4 the following morning upon waking (approximately 24 hours from start and patient will record the time), doses #5 through #7 will be taken every morning upon waking on the second, third, and fourth days, respectively. For afternoon appliance placement: dose #1 at approximately 2:00 p.m. as appointment starts; dose #2 6 hours later (8:00 p.m.); dose #3 the following morning upon waking (approximately 12 hours later and patient will record the time); dose #4 6 hours later from dose #3 (approximately 24 hours from the initial dose) around 2:00 p.m. (or as soon after school as possible) doses #5 through #7 will be taken every afternoon at 2:00 p.m. on the second, third, and fourth days, respectively.
DRUG
Ibuprofen 200 mg
For morning appliance placement: dose #1 at approximately 9:00 a.m. as appointment starts; dose #2 6 hours later (3:00 p.m- or as soon after school and close to 3 pm as possible.); dose #3 another 6 hours later (9:00 p.m.); dose #4 the following morning upon waking (approximately 24 hours from start and patient will record the time), doses #5 through #7 will be taken every morning upon waking on the second, third, and fourth days, respectively. For afternoon appliance placement: dose #1 at approximately 2:00 p.m. as appointment starts; dose #2 6 hours later (8:00 p.m.); dose #3 the following morning upon waking (approximately 12 hours later and patient will record the time); dose #4 6 hours later from dose #3 (approximately 24 hours from the initial dose) around 2:00 p.m. (or as soon after school as possible) doses #5 through #7 will be taken every afternoon at 2:00 p.m. on the second, third, and fourth days, respectively.
DRUG
Placebo oral tablet
For morning appliance placement: dose #1 at approximately 9:00 a.m. as appointment starts; dose #2 6 hours later (3:00 p.m- or as soon after school and close to 3 pm as possible.); dose #3 another 6 hours later (9:00 p.m.); dose #4 the following morning upon waking (approximately 24 hours from start and patient will record the time), doses #5 through #7 will be taken every morning upon waking on the second, third, and fourth days, respectively. For afternoon appliance placement: dose #1 at approximately 2:00 p.m. as appointment starts; dose #2 6 hours later (8:00 p.m.); dose #3 the following morning upon waking (approximately 12 hours later and patient will record the time); dose #4 6 hours later from dose #3 (approximately 24 hours from the initial dose) around 2:00 p.m. (or as soon after school as possible) doses #5 through #7 will be taken every afternoon at 2:00 p.m. on the second, third, and fourth days, respectively.
Primary outcome measures
Change in visual analogue score (VAS) over time
Time frame: 0 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, and 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, and 96 hours after placement of appliances
Primary outcomes with be the pain values recorded by subjects when chewing on the 100-mm VAS at set times.The VAS line for each time period will be 100 mm long with no intermediate delineations. Each end will be marked with "no pain" on the left, and "worst possible pain" on the right.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- scheduled to begin comprehensive orthodontic treatment (banding/bonding of at least 10 teeth in 1 arch and archwire placement in at least 1 arch);
- extractions, if required, performed at least 2 weeks before appliance and archwire placement;
- healthy with no significant medical findings;
- no prophylactic antibiotic coverage required;
- currently not taking antibiotics or analgesics;
- no contraindications to the use of acetaminophen or ibuprofen; and
- minimum age of 12 years
Exclusion criteria
- Under the age of 12 or over the age of 80,
- pregnant women,
- decisionally challenged individuals,
- allergy to either medication,
- history of kidney disease,
- liver damage or disease,
- alcoholism/use of 3 or more alcoholic drinks during study period,
- use of blood thinners,
- stomach ulcers or
- stomach bleeding.
Where
- Aurora, Colorado
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 14, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations