Comparison of Efficacy of Low Dose (25 mg) with High Dose Diclofenac (50 mg) in Management of Postoperative Pain after Periodontal Flap Surgery: A Randomised Clinical Trial

Abstract

Introduction: The perception of pain is highly subjective and varies substantially among individuals. Diclofenac is powerful NSAID and is associated with adverse effect, like gastric irritability. Aim: To compare a low dose Diclofenac (25 mg) with Diclofenac (50 mg) in postoperative pain management after periodontal flap surgeries. Materials and Methods: Study included 20 patients with chronic periodontitis (17-55 years), scheduled for open flap debridement surgery on at least two quadrants >1 week apart. Study group was divided into two groups; one group received low dose Diclofenac (25 mg Diclofenac and 325 mg paracetamol), BID for three days, whereas the other group received Diclofenac (50 mg Diclofenac and 325 mg paracetamol), BID for three days. The pain assessment of the subjects was carried out by VAS and pain assessment questionnaire. Results: The mean pain scores in both groups were obtained by VAS. After comparing those pain scores of both groups by independent t-test and repeated measures of ANOVA test, statistically significant (p<0.05) results were found between both groups at day 1,2 and 3 but less gastric discomfort was observed with Diclofenac 25 mg group. Conclusion: Diclofenac 25 mg can be used efficiently in controlling postoperative pain after open flap debridement, especially in patients with gastric discomfort.

Keywords

• cyclooxygenase
• drug administration
• post operative pain management