Purpose: The analgesic efficacy of 50 and 100 mg flurbiprofen was compared with acetaminophen 650 mg, acetaminophen 650 mg plus codeine 60 mg, and placebo.
Patients and methods: Subjects undergoing the surgical removal of impacted third molars were randomly administered one of the five treatments after the onset of moderate to severe postoperative pain. Pain intensity, pain relief, and side effects were evaluated for 6 hours after drug administration.
Results: Both doses of flurbiprofen resulted in significant analgesia in comparison with placebo, acetaminophen, and acetaminophen plus codeine as measured by pain intensity difference, pain relief, and global evaluation. The greatest incidence of side effects occurred in the group receiving acetaminophen plus codeine, and the fewest side effects were reported by subjects administered flurbiprofen.
Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that flurbiprofen is more effective and causes fewer effects than acetaminophen and codeine when used for post-operative dental pain, in ambulatory patients.