Effect of pretreatment dexamethasone on postendodontic pain.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluates the use of a preoperative single oral dose of dexamethasone for the prevention and control of postendodontic pain.


METHODS
Forty-seven patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups: placebo and dexamethasone (4 mg). The medications were administered 1 hour before the start of endodontic treatment. Postoperative pain was assessed after 4, 12, 24, and 48 hours.


RESULTS
Dexamethasone resulted in a statistically significant reduction in postendodontic pain at 4 and 12 hours (P < .05). However, no statistical difference (P > .05) was observed at 24 and 48 hours (Mann-Whitney test). The placebo group exhibited higher rescue medication intake (P < .05; Student t test). No side effects were reported for any of the medications used.


CONCLUSIONS
Preoperative single oral dose of dexamethasone substantially reduced postendodontic pain. Further studies are needed to evaluate the applicability of these findings to other clinical conditions and drug regimens.
Pochapski
Márcia Thaís
MT
Department of Pharmacology, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas, Piracicaba, Brazil. mpochapski@gmail.com
Santos
Fábio André
FA
de Andrade
Eduardo Dias
ED
Sydney
Gilson Blitzkow
GB
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011292:Premedication; D012390:Root Canal Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D003907:Dexamethasone