Suprofen compared to dextropropoxyphene hydrochloride and paracetamol (Cosalgesic) after extraction of wisdom teeth under general anaesthesia

Abstract

In a randomised double-blind trial in postoperative ambulant day case dental patients suprofen 200 mg (29 patients) was compared with dextropropoxyphene hydrochloride 65 mg and paracetamol 650 mg (Cosalgesic, 28 patients) both available four times daily for 3 days. Suprofen was better than cosalgesic in the patients' opinion of initial (p = 0.01) and overall pain relief (p = 0.08) compared to Cosalgesic and the second night's sleep was better (p = 0.01). Side effects were reported in six suprofen patients and 10 cosalgesic patients (two suffering from vomiting withdrew). Suprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug is as good as, or better than, a widely used opioid-paracetamol mixture for ambulant patients with postoperative dental pain.