Analgesic studies of indomethacin as analyzed by computer techniques

A method of evaluating oral analgesics in a general hospital is presented. The competition between crossover studies and single dose studies has led us to compare a basic crossover design with a single dose design, and a computer program was developed from both paints of view. The patients included in this study had moderate or severe postoperative or fracture pain, and received indomethacin, aspirin, and a placebo on a random complete crossover basis. This study indicated that single dose data only yielded more reliable information and probably a more efficient design than the crossover technique. Furthermore, placebo varied in its effect, depending on its position in the study, and appeared more effective when administered as a second test medication. Fifty milligrams of indomethacin appeared to be an effective oral analgesic equivalent to approximately 600 mg. of aspirin.