- Recommendation ID
- NG59/2
- Question
Pharmacological therapies:- What is the clinical and cost effectiveness of codeine with and without paracetamol for the acute management of low back pain?
- Any explanatory notes
(if applicable) Why this is important:- Codeine, often together with paracetamol, is commonly prescribed in primary care to people presenting with acute low back pain. This often happens with people who cannot tolerate nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or when a person has contraindications to these medications. Although there is evidence that opioids are not effective in chronic low back pain, there are relatively few studies that look at their use for acute low back pain (a problem commonly seen in primary care). Also, it is not known if using paracetamol and codeine together has a synergistic effect in the treatment of back pain.
Source guidance details
- Comes from guidance
- Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management
- Number
- NG59
- Date issued
- November 2016
Other details
Is this a recommendation for the use of a technology only in the context of research? | No |
Is it a recommendation that suggests collection of data or the establishment of a register? | No |
Last Reviewed | 30/11/2016 |