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Although opioids are effective pain relievers, they are potentially addictive, and alternatives continue to be sought. In this double-blind study, researchers in Iran randomized adults (age, 18–64 years) with presumed biliary colic to treatment with either 100 mg IV lidocaine or 5 mg IV morphine. Patients with pulmonary or cardiovascular diseases, pregnancy, seizure disorder, dementia, chronic opioid use, or altered mental status, were excluded. Pain was assessed on an 11-point visual analog scale at baseline and at 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, and 120 minutes. The stated primary outcome was reduction in pain intensity at 60 minutes.
Of 104 patients randomized, the average age was 44 years and 47% were female. The mean pain score at baseline was 8.7 …