Efficacy of Preoperative Administration of Paracetamol-Codeine on Pain following Impacted Mandibular Third Molar Surgery: A Randomized, Split-Mouth, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial

Pain Res Manag. 2017:2017:9246352. doi: 10.1155/2017/9246352. Epub 2017 Feb 23.

Abstract

Objectives. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of preoperative administration of single-dose of paracetamol-codeine, in the relieving of acute postoperative pain after the surgical removal of an impacted mandibular third molar. Materials and Methods. The study cohort consisted of 32 Caucasian outpatients, giving a total of 64 bilateral symmetrical impacted mandibles. Patients were randomized in two experimental groups to receive a preoperative oral dose of paracetamol-codeine (analgesic group) or a placebo (placebo group) at the first and second surgeries. Study participants were asked to record pain intensity scores during the operation and the next 2 days, the time of the first request for rescue analgesic, and the total number of postoperative-supplement paracetamol-codeine tablets. Results. The pain intensity score on the first day was significantly lower in the analgesic group than in the placebo group (p < 0.001). The time to using rescue therapy was significantly longer in the analgesic group than in the placebo group (p = 0.004). The number of paracetamol-codeine tablets used postoperatively did not differ between the analgesic and placebo groups (p = 0.104). Conclusions. Preoperative paracetamol-codeine is effective in providing immediate postoperative pain control after third molar surgery and in delaying the initial onset of pain. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier (Registration Number): NCT03049878.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Acetaminophen / administration & dosage*
  • Adult
  • Analgesics / administration & dosage*
  • Codeine / administration & dosage*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Administration Routes
  • Drug Combinations
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mandibular Osteotomy / adverse effects*
  • Molar, Third / surgery*
  • Nerve Block / methods
  • Pain Measurement
  • Pain, Postoperative / etiology*
  • Pain, Postoperative / prevention & control*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Analgesics
  • Drug Combinations
  • acetaminophen, codeine drug combination
  • Acetaminophen
  • Codeine

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT03049878