Abstract
Background. Renal colic is a medical emergency due to the rapid onset and devastating nature of its pain. Opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are both used as first-line choices in its management. Aim. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of opioids and NSAIDs in the management of acute renal colic. Methods. One hundred and fifty-eight patients were divided into two groups (n = 79) and received either 10 mg morphine or 100 mg indomethacin suppositories. The severity of pain was measured using verbal numeric rating scale at baseline and 20, 40, 60, and 90 minutes after the administration of analgesics. Drug side effects as well as patients' vital signs were also recorded. Results. The mean decrease in the pain score during the first 20 minutes was significantly higher among those who received morphine suppository. However, no significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding the mean decrease in pain score during the first 40, 60, and 90 minutes after the admission. Prevalence of drug side effects or changes in the vital signs was not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions. Morphine suppositories seem to be more efficient in achieving rapid pain relief comparing to indomethacin.
Highlights
Renal colic, as the most common presentation of ureteral calculi, is characterized by a sudden onset and severe sense of pain in the flanks which may radiate to the hypochondrium [1]
Male to female ratio was similar between groups A and B (1.75 versus 1.88, P = 0.6, and Effect size (ES) = 0.74 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.37 to 1.10])
The mean pain score at the start of measurements was not significantly different between the two groups (8.38 ± 1.08 for group A versus 8.26 ± 1.09 for group B, P = 0.5, and ES = 0.1 [95% CI = −0.22 to 0.41])
Summary
As the most common presentation of ureteral calculi, is characterized by a sudden onset and severe sense of pain in the flanks which may radiate to the hypochondrium [1]. This pain is caused by the obstruction and the subsequent increased tension in the urinary tract during the calculi passage and is commonly compared with the delivery pain. The mean decrease in the pain score during the first 20 minutes was significantly higher among those who received morphine suppository. Prevalence of drug side effects or changes in the vital signs was not significantly different between the two groups. Morphine suppositories seem to be more efficient in achieving rapid pain relief comparing to indomethacin
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
