Effects of naproxen on experimental rhinovirus colds. A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial

Ann Intern Med. 1992 Jul 1;117(1):37-41. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-117-1-37.

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether naproxen, a propionic acid inhibitor of cyclooxygenase, alters the course of experimental rhinovirus colds.

Design: A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.

Setting: Rhinovirus challenge model in volunteers cloistered in individual hotel rooms.

Volunteers: Eighty-seven healthy young adults with serum neutralizing antibody titers of less than or equal to 1:2 to the challenge virus; 79 were evaluable.

Intervention: Thirty-nine participants received naproxen (loading dose, 400 mg or 500 mg followed by 200 mg or 500 mg three times daily for 5 days). Forty participants received placebo. Treatment was started 6 hours after viral challenge.

Measurements: Daily measurement of viral titers, symptoms, nasal mucus production, and nasal tissue use; incidence of infection and illness; and measurement of homotypic serum neutralizing antibody responses.

Results: Viral titers and serum homotypic antibody responses were similar in the naproxen and placebo groups. Significant reductions in headache, malaise, myalgia, and cough occurred in the naproxen group. A 29% reduction was noted in the total (5-day) symptom score in the naproxen group (95% CI, 16% to 42%).

Conclusion: Naproxen treatment did not alter virus shedding or serum neutralizing antibody responses in participants with experimental rhinovirus colds, but it had a beneficial effect on the symptoms of headache, malaise, myalgia, and cough. Prostaglandins may be among the inflammatory mediators that play a role in the pathogenesis of rhinovirus colds.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Viral / drug effects
  • Common Cold / drug therapy*
  • Common Cold / immunology
  • Common Cold / microbiology
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Naproxen / adverse effects
  • Naproxen / therapeutic use*
  • Neutralization Tests
  • Rhinovirus / drug effects
  • Rhinovirus / immunology
  • Severity of Illness Index

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Naproxen