A single centre double blind randomised controlled trial investigating the use of dexamethasone in the treatment of acute tonsillitis.

Trade Name: Dexamethasone 8.0mg/2ml Injection (Organon Laboratories Ltd) or Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate 8mg/2ml Injection (Hospira) Product Name: Dexamethasone (base) 8 mg in 2ml (as Dexamethasone sodium phosphate) Injection Product Code: N/A Pharmaceutical Form: Injection* INN or Proposed INN: Dexamethasone Concentration unit: IU/mg international unit(s)/milligram Concentration type: equal Concentration number: 8‐ Trade Name: Sodium Chloride 0.9% Intravenous Infusion 10ml Mini Plasco Product Name: Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection Pharmaceutical Form: Injection* INN or Proposed INN: Sodium Chloride Concentration unit: % (W/V) percent weight/volume Concentration type: equal Concentration number: 0.9‐ Main Objective: The aim of this study is to assess if the addition of a single dose of dexamethasone, to the treatment of acute tonsillitis with intravenous antibiotics, analgesia and intravenous fluids speeds up the ability to eat and drink.;Secondary Objective: Secondary Study Endpoints 1.The time taken for patients to go from being unable to swallow solids and liquids to being able to swallow solids and liquids with some discomfort. 2.The proportion of patients ‘swallowing with some discomfort’ on admission, 6 hours, 24 hours 36 hours and 48 hours in standard and treatment group. 3.Pain Scores using a visual analogue scale of 0 to 10, documented at the same time as “swallowing” scores 4.The time of discharge in both groups. ;Primary end point(s): The aim of this study is to assess if the addition of a single dose of dexamethasone, to the treatment of acute tonsillitis with intravenous antibiotics, analgesia and intravenous fluids speeds up the ability to eat and drink.