Non-narcotic vs Narcotic Analgesics in Postendodontic Pain

The efficacy in postendodontic pain relief of the non-narcotic analgesic ibuprofen ('Motrin') was compared with that of the narcotic analgesic 'Synalgos-DC' (dihydrocodeine, aspirin, phenacetin, caffeine and promethazine) using an aspirin 325 mg/codeine 30mg preparation as a positive control. 125 patients who were either in pain before treatment, or who were likely to experience postoperative pain, were given 24 capsules of 1 of the 3 preparations and instructed to take 2 every 4-6 hours as needed. Doses of each medication were: ibuprofen, 400mg; aspirin/codeine, 325 mg/30mg; 'Synalgos-DC', dihydrocodeine 16mg, aspirin 194mg, phenacetin 162mg, caffeine 3Omg, promethazine 6mg. Only the 72 patients (27 ibuprofen, 20 'Synalgos-DC' , 25 aspirin/codeine) who experienced moderate to severe pain following endodontic therapy were included in the analysis. Analysis of pain questionnaires revealed no significant differences in pain scores between the 3 preparations at 0, 1, 2 or 3 hours following ingestion. The initial pain level (0 hours) was significantly greater than at 1, 2 or 3 hours for all medications. The incidence of side effects (nausea, dizziness, constipation, ear ringing, blurred vision and drowsiness) did not differ significantly between the 3 medications. This study found that 'all three medications demonstrated equal efficacy in relieving postendodontic pain.'

Kusner, G. et al.: Journal of Endodontics 10: 210 (May 1984)

0156-2703/ 84/0825-0011 / 0$01.00/ 0 @)ADIS Press INPHARMA® 25 Aug 1984 11