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Control of pain by mefenamic acid following removal of impacted molar. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Abstract:
The efficacy of mefenamic acid, aspirin, and placebo in the control of postsurgical pain was compared in a double-blind, randomized study of forty-seven patients. Medication was begun as soon as the anesthetic began to wear off and was continued as needed to a maximum of eight doses over a 48-hour period. The results were analyzed in terms of the patient's assessment of postsurgical pain, and the patient's and the investigator's evaluation of drug efficacy. In the population studied, mefenamic acid was well tolerated. Mefenamic acid was clearly superior to placebo and equalled or exceeded the ability of aspirin to control postsurgical pain in the parameters measured.
Insights
Mefenamic acid effectively managed postsurgical pain, outperforming placebo and matching aspirin's efficacy. This non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) demonstrated good tolerability in patients recovering from surgery.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Anesthesiology
- Pain Management
Background:
- Postoperative pain is a significant concern affecting patient recovery.
- Effective pain management is crucial for patient well-being and reducing complications.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used for pain relief.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of mefenamic acid, aspirin, and placebo in controlling postsurgical pain.
- To evaluate patient and investigator assessments of drug effectiveness.
- To determine the tolerability of mefenamic acid in the postsurgical setting.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, randomized controlled trial involving forty-seven patients.
- Medication administration initiated as anesthesia wore off, continuing up to eight doses over 48 hours.
- Analysis based on patient pain assessment and overall drug efficacy evaluations by both patient and investigator.
Main Results:
- Mefenamic acid was well tolerated by the study population.
- Mefenamic acid demonstrated superior pain control compared to placebo.
- The efficacy of mefenamic acid was comparable to or greater than aspirin for postsurgical pain management.
Conclusions:
- Mefenamic acid is an effective option for managing postsurgical pain.
- Mefenamic acid offers a favorable efficacy and tolerability profile, comparable to aspirin.
- These findings support the use of mefenamic acid in postsurgical pain protocols.