Study designs of evaluations included in the review
Randomised trials (RCTs) that were double-blind and had a parallel-group design (not crossover) were eligible for inclusion.
Specific interventions included in the review
Studies had to have at least one treatment group assigned multiple doses of a marketed formulation of ibuprofen for the symptomatic treatment of osteoarthritis. The eligible treatment regimens were 1,200 mg or less per day for 10 days or less (i.e. regimens within the U.S. non-prescription limits). In the included studies 400 mg of ibuprofen was taken three times a day for 3, 6 or 10 days. All of the trials were placebo-controlled.
Participants included in the review
Studies in people with osteoarthritis, aged 65 years or older, were eligible for inclusion. The participants in the included studies were male and female out-patients aged between 65 and 97 years (mean 72).
Outcomes assessed in the review
Studies that reported adverse events, for individuals or overall in each group, were eligible for inclusion. All spontaneously reported adverse experiences were included.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
The authors did not state how the papers were selected for the review, or how many reviewers performed the selection.