Single-dose ibuprofen has shown limited efficacy for pain associated with intrauterine device (IUD) insertion. However, its pharmacokinetic profile suggests that a multidose, preemptive approach may be more effective by maintaining therapeutic concentrations. To investigate this, a clinical trial evaluated whether a preemptive multidose ibuprofen regimen could reduce pain during IUD insertion in 66 participants. Participants received three doses of ibuprofen 800 mg or placebo over approximately 24 hours before IUD insertion.

Insertion-related pain was severe in 39.4% of participants and moderate in 42.4%. Those who received preemptive multidose ibuprofen reported significantly lower insertion pain than those who received placebo (median Numeric Pain Rating Scale score, 5 vs 7). However, there was no significant difference in pain severity between the groups at 24 hours. These findings…