Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate, using a single dose of intravenous paracetamol, pain relief after maxillofacial surgery.
Materials and methods: This is a controlled, randomized, uni- blind, clinical trial study to evaluate using a single dose of IV paracetamol for pain relief after maxillofacial surgery. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups with 40 subjects in each: group I received paracetamol (Apotel)* as a single dose and group II received placebo. Subjects were randomly allocated according to randomization lists. Paracetamol was used as a single dose (20 mg/kg in 100 cc of normal saline which was infused for 10 min after surgery in recovery room just before discharging). We used a visual analogue scale to investigate pain relief at various times.
Results: Analysis of the data, did not show any significant difference for age, sex and weight between the treatment group and the control group. Pain decreased 6 h after paracetamol infusion; then it increased mildly. In the control group, pain severity increased after operation, then it decreased mildly. Results showed a correlation between duration of surgery and pain severity in both the groups.
Conclusion: Paracetamol is effective on pain relief after maxillofacial surgeries. Operation time may be an important factor for induction of pain after the surgeries.
Keywords: Maxillofacial surgery; Pain; Paracetamol; VAS.