Topical 1% oxytetracycline hydrochloride versus placebo in oral mucosa biopsy

Oral surgical procedures produce side effects such as pain and inflammation, the magnitude of which depends on the degree of tissue damage produced.

To explore the effectiveness and safety of the topical application of 1% oxytetracycline hydrochloride after biopsy of the oral mucosa.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo- and no treatment-controlled study was conducted in 90 patients with lesions needing histopathologic analysis. The patients were divided into three groups. Group I (control) received no treatment; in group II, the site of surgical intervention was treated topically with 1% oxytetracycline hydrochloride three times a day for 1 week; and in group III, the patients were treated in the same way but with placebo. Using a visual analog scale, we determined the time of maximum postoperative pain.

Maximum pain intensity was recorded in the placebo group, with peak pain occurring 24 hours after surgery. The pain subsequently tended to decrease gradually over the 1-week period of the study. The maximum level of pain was significantly lower in group II than in the controls. No adverse effects were recorded.

Topical 1% oxytetracycline hydrochloride decreases pain symptoms after oral mucosa biopsy.