Abstract

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe purpose of this preliminary study was to compare acetaminophen to ketorolac for treating patients with fever in the emergency department (ED).MethodsIn this prospective, randomized, double-blind pilot study, patients were enrolled as a convenience sample during a 6-month study period. All subjects 18 years or older with a temperature of 100.4°F or higher were eligible. Investigators gave patients 10 mg of oral ketorolac or 750 mg of oral acetaminophen. The temperature and pulse were rechecked at 30, 60, and 90 minutes. Patients recorded discomfort on a visual analog scale (VAS) at 30, 60, and 90 minutes.ResultsA total of 17 patients were enrolled. A t test showed no difference in temperatures, and the Mann-Whitney nonparametric test showed no difference in VAS scores.ConclusionIn this preliminary study comparing ketorolac with acetaminophen for febrile illness in the ED, we found no difference in efficacy between the two medications.