AN EVALUATION OF DIFFERENT IBUPROFEN PREPARATIONS IN THE CONTROL OF POSTOPERATIVE PAIN AFTER 3RD MOLAR SURGERY

1 Two separate placebo-controlled studies of parallel design were carried out to evaluate the efficacy of single doses (400 mg) of soluble ibuprofen, ibuprofen liquid in a gelatin capsule and ibuprofen tablets (Nurofen(R)), in patients with postoperative pain after third molar surgery. 2 All ibuprofen preparations provided significant pain relief (P < 0.05) over a 6 h investigation period. 3 Mean pain scores after ibuprofen tablets and ibuprofen liquid in a gelatin capsule were similar. 4 Soluble ibuprofen 400 mg provided an earlier onset of pain relief (20 min) than ibuprofen tablets (30 min). 5 No unwanted effects were reported in the various ibuprofen treatment groups. 6 The ibuprofen preparations evaluated in this study are effective up to 4 h for controlling postoperative pain after third molar surgery. The soluble form is more efficacious with regard to onset of action.