The Analgesic Efficacy of Nimesulide After Third Molar Surgery: a Randomised Cross-over Prospective Study

Abstract

Objective: To determine the efficacy of nimesulide in comparison to paracetamol for the relief of pain after third molar surgery.Patients and Methods: Twenty nine patients undergoing third molar surgery using local anaesthesia on 2 separate occasions were randomised to receive either nimesulide 200 mg or paracetamol 1000 mg as a single dose after surgery. Rescue medication consisting of paracetamol 1000 mg was given in case of inadequate pain relief with the test medication. Pain intensity and pain relief measures were recorded using a visual analogue scale and phrased categorical scales. The observation period was 6 hours after the cessation of local anaesthetic effects.Results: Twenty nine measurements were available for paracetamol and 27 for nimesulide. Rescue medication was used for 31% of patients in the paracetamol group and 7% in the nimesulide group. There was 50% greater decrease of pain, 27% greater peak of pain relief, and 44% greater total pain relief among patients in the nimesulide group.Conclusion: Nimesulide 200 mg resulted in significantly better pain relief than paracetamol 1000 mg in similar circumstances.