Not Yet RecruitingPhase 4

Dexamethasone Plus Metoclopramide Versus Paracetamol/NSAIDs for Primary Headache

94 participantsStarted 2026-11-01

Plain-language summary

Primary headache disorders are among the most common neurological conditions presenting to emergency departments and can significantly impair quality of life and daily functioning. Various medications are used for acute headache treatment, including paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), metoclopramide, and corticosteroids. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the efficacy of intravenous dexamethasone combined with metoclopramide versus intravenous paracetamol/NSAIDs in patients presenting with primary headache to the emergency department of Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi. A total of 94 patients aged 18 to 60 years with clinically diagnosed primary headache will be enrolled and randomized into two groups. Group A will receive intravenous dexamethasone 8 mg plus intravenous metoclopramide 10 mg, while Group B will receive intravenous paracetamol or NSAIDs according to departmental protocol. Pain severity will be assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) before treatment and again after 60 minutes. Treatment efficacy will be defined as at least 50% reduction in pain score from baseline. The results of this study may help identify a more effective treatment strategy for acute primary headache management in emergency departments.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 60 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients aged 18 to 60 years. * Patients presenting with primary headache diagnosed clinically. * Patients presenting within 72 hours of onset of headache. * Patients with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain score ≥5. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with secondary headache disorders. * Patients with known allergy to dexamethasone, metoclopramide, paracetamol, or NSAIDs. * Pregnant females. * Patients with hepatic impairment. * Patients with renal impairment. * Patients with peptic ulcer disease or gastrointestinal bleeding. * Patients with extrapyramidal disorders. * Patients already receiving corticosteroids within previous 48 hours.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Reduction in Pain Score by ≥50% on Visual Analogue Scale

Timeframe: 60 minutes after administration of study medication

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07605065

SponsorPak Emirates Military Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-02-01

Contact for this trial

Beenish Saquib Beenish Saquib, FCPS

0320-8519818 Beenishsaquib2018@gmail.com

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Primary Headache trials