Postoperative nefopam and diclofenac. Evaluation of their morphine-sparing effect after upper abdominal surgery

The aim of the study was to assess the relative morphine-sparing effects of nefopam and diclofenac when used singly or in combination after upper abdominal surgery. Eighty-four patients of ASA grade 1 or 2 were allocated randomly to one of three groups. Group A received nefopam 20 mg by intramuscular injection 6 hourly after surgery for the 24-hour study period. Group B received diclofenac 75 mg 12-hourly and placebo injections at 6 and 18 hours after surgery. Group C received both 6-hourly nefopam and 12-hourly diclofenac. Supplemental analgesia was given on demand via a patient-controlled analgesia system which delivered intravenous morphine. Morphine requirements in the diclofenac group were significantly lower than in either of the other groups (p less than 0.01). Patients who received the combination of nefopam and diclofenac required significantly less morphine than those who received nefopam alone (p less than 0.01). Pain scores assessed 6 hours after surgery were significantly lower in the diclofenac and combination groups compared with the nefopam group (p less than 0.01).