Clinically controlled comparative study of suprofen, pentazocine, and placebo. Experience with intramuscular single...

Analgesic effect and tolerability of alpha-methyl-4-(2-thienylcarbonyl)-phenylacetic acid (suprofen, Suprol) 200 mg were compared with pentazocine 30 mg and placebo in 88 patients in moderate to severe postoperative pain. The trial was designed as a randomized single-blind study; the test drugs were in single doses (1 ml ampuls) administered by deep intragluteal injection in the upper outer quadrant. The test population was homogeneous as to anamnestic data; the initial intensity of pain was comparable in all three groups. Statistical analysis of the obtained data revealed that at the rating times 30 min to 3 h suprofen was statistically significantly superior to placebo, while after 2 h it was significantly superior to pentazocine. The investigator's final global appreciation of effectiveness states moderate to good effect in 86% of the patients on suprofen, 76% of those on pentazocine, and 63% of the subjects on placebo. Significant difference existed only between suprofen and placebo. Systemic tolerability was considered good to very good in 97% of the subjects in all three treatment groups, whereas local tolerability was considered poor in 2 patients (6.9%) in the group on suprofen. There were no significant differences between the medications. Two subjects each on suprofen and pentazocine and 1 patient on placebo experienced side effects.