Background: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently used as a postoperative medication after endodontic treatment. The introduction of transdermal patches aided in reducing the discomfort caused by medication prescribed through the oral route.
Aim: This study aims to compare the efficacy of transdermal patches of diclofenac and ketoprofen for postendodontic pain control.
Materials and methods: Thirty patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis in singlerooted teeth of either arch were endodontically treated by a single endodontist. Oral diclofenac for Group I and transdermal diclofenac patch for Group II and transdermal ketoprofen patch for Group III were administered as postendodontic analgesics. Visual Analog Scale chart was used to record pain intensity preoperatively and at intervals of 4, 8, and 24 h postoperatively. Paracetamol 500 mg tablets were provided as rescue medication.
Statistical analysis: Repeated Measure ANOVA.
Results: There was a significant decrease in the postoperative pain intensity scores for both transdermal groups. The postoperative scores gradually decreased from day 1 to day 2. Six out of ten patients who had received diclofenac tablets complained of gastric discomfort.
Conclusion: Both transdermal ketoprofen and diclofenac patches were effective than oral diclofenac tablet and can be used as an alternative and effective analgesic for postendodontic pain management, especially in patients with gastric discomfort.
Keywords: Ketoprofen; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; postendodontic pain; transdermal patch.
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