Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain after oral surgery

E. Bailey, N. Patel, P. Coulthard

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    Aim: To describe the role of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the management of pain after oral surgery. Materials and methods: A review of the literature describing the pharmacokinetics, benefits and harms of NSAIDs in terms of systematic review evidence, interactions, use in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding. Results: Twelve Cochrane reviews were identified describing the efficacy of NSAIDs for pain after oral surgery. Ibuprofen 400mg is an effective analgesic [number needed to treat (NNT)=2.3 in tablet form and 1.8 in soluble form]. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-selective NSAIDs also demonstrate low NNTs, based on smaller studies of post-operative pain. There is association with gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and renal adverse effects. Conclusions: NSAIDs are effective analgesics for moderate pain after oral surgery. The routine use of COX-2-selective NSAIDs is not recommended. Careful patient selection is important. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)152-161
    Number of pages9
    JournalOral Surgery
    Volume7
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2014

    Keywords

    • Oral
    • Pain
    • Surgery

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain after oral surgery'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this