1 The UK experience of Distalgesic efficacy is examined, and 18 trials have been reviewed, of which only five were controlled and only three contained a placebo.
2 Three trials are examined in detail and the problems of trial methodology discussed.
3 The assessment of analgesic effect in chronic painful conditions presents considerable problems. Despite the fact that Distalgesic appears to be a useful analgesic in the clinical situation, long-term controlled studies of its effectiveness in chronic pain are still awaited.
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