Comparative evaluation of various analgesics in reducing pain in irreversible pulpitis

It is of interest to evaluate a single dose of three different analgesics compared to placebo in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. 120 patients were enrolled with severe pain in this prospective clinical trial. Patients were randomly divided into four groups after shaping and cleaning of root canals. This includes placebo, piroxicam 20mg, acetaminophen 325mg with aceclofenac sodium 100mg and acetaminophen 650mg. Participants were given a questionnaire to note the pain scores at various time intervals (6 hrs, 12 hrs, and 24 hrs) along with the respective tablets in a concealed manner. Data thus collected was analyzed for statistical significance. The severity of pain decreased in all the three interventional groups compared to the control group (p <0.01) at 6 hours. Zerodol-P and dolonex showed better pain reduction in comparison to the placebo and dolo 650 group (p <0.05) at 12 and 24 hours. Data shows that both zerodol-P and dolonex groups had similar effects at all time intervals. Thus, a single dose of analgesic such as Zerodol-P and Dolonex following shaping and cleaning of root canals relieved pain at all time intervals of the treatment. However, Dolo 650 performed better during the initial 6hrs after completion of the shaping and cleaning of root canals compared to the placebo.