Effects of co-administered dexamethasone and diclofenac potassium on pain, swelling and trismus following third molar surgery.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The apparent interactions between the mechanisms of action of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and steroids suggest that co-therapy may provide beneficial inflammatory and pain relief in the absence of side effects. The aim of the study was to compare the effect of co-administered dexamethasone and diclofenac potassium (diclofenac K) with diclofenac K alone on the postoperative pain, swelling and trismus after surgical removal of third molars.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

A prospective randomized double-blind study was conducted at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. A total of 100 patients were randomly allocated to two treatment groups of dexamethasone (prophylactic 8 mg and postoperative 4 mg IV) and diclofenac K (50 mg Oral before and after surgery), and diclofenac K alone (as with first group). The overall analgesic efficacy of the drug combinations was assessed postoperatively by determination of pain intensity using a category rating scale. Facial swelling was measured using a tape measure placed from tragus to gonion to tragus, while interincisal mouth-opening of patients was measured using a vernier calibrated caliper pre-operatively and post-operatively.

RESULTS:

Co-administration of dexamethasone and diclofenac K was significantly superior to diclofenac alone for the relief of pain (P < 0.05), and facial swelling up to post-operative 48 hour (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference for trismus relief between the two medication protocols (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

This study illustrates enhanced effects of co-administered dexamethasone and diclofenac K on short-term post-operative pain and swelling, compared to diclofenac potassium alone in third molar surgery.

• Authors: Babatunde Olamide Bamgbose, Jelili Adisa Akinwande, Wasiu Lanre Adeyemo, Akinola Ladipo Ladeinde, Godwin Toyin Arotiba, Mobolanle Olugbemiga Ogunlewe
• Journal: Head & face medicine (Head Face Med) Vol. 1 Pg. 11 (Nov 07 2005) ISSN: 1746-160X [Print] England
• PMID: 16274480 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents
• Diclofenac
• Dexamethasone

Topics

• Adult
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents (administration & dosage)
• Dexamethasone (administration & dosage)
• Diclofenac (administration & dosage)
• Double-Blind Method
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Female
• Humans
• Inflammation (drug therapy, etiology)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Molar, Third (surgery)
• Pain, Postoperative (drug therapy, etiology)
• Prospective Studies
• Tooth Extraction (adverse effects)
• Treatment Outcome
• Trismus (drug therapy, etiology)
• Young Adult