Efficacy of Ibuprofen Formulations by Two Prescription Methods on Postoperative Pain

Introduction: Pain management during and after root canal treatment (RCT) is one of the most important issues in endodontics. Postoperative pain is relatively common in some procedures, especially in patients who have pain before the treatment. Based on high degree of evidence, several strategies are defined for pain management after RCT; such as long-lasting anesthesia and prophylaxis with analgesics. This study aims to compare the effects of two non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; Ibuprofen and Ibuprofen Lysine prescribed by two methods on pain after single-visit RCT of first and second mandibular teeth with irreversible pulpitis. Methods: Eighty patients were divided into four groups using the methods of balanced black randomization. Patients in the regular administration group used Ibuprofen or Ibuprofen Lysine every 6 hours for at least 24 hours, but patients in on-demand group used Ibuprofen or Ibuprofen Lysine as needed and experienced pain. Up to 72 hours after treatment, the severity of pain based on the Numerical Rating Scale was marked by patients. Data were analyzed by One-Way Analysis of Variance, Independent T-Test and Mann-Whitney Test. Results : The results of this study indicate that the effects of all four regimens (Ibuprofen and Ibuprofen Lysine administrations with regular and on-demand regimens) on postoperative pain level was significant in the six periods of time (6,12,18,24,48,72 hours) (P<0.0001). Conclusion : There was no significant difference in severity of pain between the on-demand and the regular groups, while patients of the on-demand group consumed less medications. Also, Ibuprofen Lysine was a more effective analgesic than Ibuprofen in 6 to 72 hours after treatment.