The analgesic and anti-inflammatory efficacy of diflunisal and codeine after removal of impacted third molars.
A double-blind, randomized trial was carried out in 90 patients to compare the analgesic and anti-inflammatory efficacy of 500 mg diflunisal twice daily with that of 25 mg codeine phosphate 4-times daily and placebo in relieving pain and swelling after surgical removal of impacted third molars. Diflunisal was found to be superior to codeine and placebo on the first post-operative day, but the difference in efficacy of the drugs had diminished by the third post-operative day. In the diflunisal group of 30 patients, 10 (33%) developed 'dry socket' or alveolitis sicca dolorosa. Only 2 patients in the codeine group and 1 patient in the placebo group developed this very painful condition. The possible explanation of 'dry socket' is discussed.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000700:Analgesics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D001713:Biphenyl Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003061:Codeine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008963:Molar; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D012890:Sleep / Q000187:drug effects; D014081:Tooth Extraction; D014095:Tooth, Impacted / Q000601:surgery*
D000700:Analgesics; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D001713:Biphenyl Compounds; D003061:Codeine