The visual analog scale in multiple-dose evaluations of analgesics

A double-blind, randomized trial was carried out in patients suffering from pain after removal of an impacted lower wisdom tooth. The analgesic effects of a codeine preparation (Staralgin), a dextropropoxyphene preparation (Doleron novum), and paracetamol were compared in a multiple-dose study of 94 patients. The assessments of pain were made hourly on a visual analog scale, and the evaluation was carried out according to a method which takes into account both duration of effect and number of tablets taken. The most pronounced pain reduction and the highest proportion of pain-free patients were reached with the dextropropoxyphene preparation. The reported side effects were few and equally distributed among the treatment groups. The method of evaluation is discussed, and it was noted that the pain score at tablet intake might be of significant importance in comparison of analgesics.