The Evaluation of Safety and Analgesic Efficacy of Paracetamol and Ibuprofen Followed by Impacted Third Molar Surgery

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this prospective, randomised, single-blind, single center, parallel group study was to compare the analgesic effects and safety of a single starting dose of soluble ibuprofen and 2 g of intravenous paracetamol for postoperative pain management in patients undergoing surgical removal of lower impacted third molar. Method: 30 patients who referred for surgical removal of bilateral impacted lower third molar teeth were included in the study. The patients were divided in to two groups. In the early preoperative period, the patients received a single starting dose of either soluble ibuprofen 400 mg dissolved in 100 ml of water or 15-min intravenous infusion of paracetamol 2 gram. Surgery in each patient was performed twice, 1 impacted tooth was being removed at a time and another one was being removed 2 weeks later. Trismus, safety variables and hepatotoxicity and analgesic efficacy were evaluated. Result: The analgesic efficacy over a 24-hour period was of statistically no significant difference between 2 groups but clinical data shows that the analgesic efficacy of paracetamol group was greater than ibuprofen group. As for the mean trismus values, there was no statistically significant difference between groups. The administered dosages of the analgesics did not lead to hepatocellular injury and biochemical abnormality. Conclusion: Consequently, both administered dosages of drugs can safely be used as a single starting doses. In order to obtain more better results with analgesic efficacy and safety in use, more trials are needed for administering higher doses of paracetamol and ibuprofen.