Comparative Study of Intravenous Paracetamol Versus Intramuscular Diclofenac for Postoperative Pain

What is it about?

Comparative Study of Intravenous Paracetamol Versus Intramuscular Diclofenac for Postoperative Pain

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Introduction: Post tonsillectomy pain relief is commonly inadequate as the pharynx is continuously active, swallowing saliva. I. m. Diclofenac provides good pain relief but pricks are usually unwelcome by children and it may cause dangerous side effects like inhibition of platelet aggregation (post op hemorrhage) and kidney problems. I.v Paracetamol is a good and safe alternative and the study was conducted to compare the 2 drugs. Aims: To evaluate onset of analgesia, duration and efficacy of analgesia, and adverse effects if any between the 2 drugs. Settings and design: 100 cases aged between 10 and 40 years posted selectively for tonsillectomy under general anaesthesia were randomly selected and divided into 2 groups. Groups P received Paracetamol 1g I.v for those more than 50 kg and 15 mg/kg for those between 30 and 50 kg over 10 min after delivery of second tonsil and this time was taken as time 0. Group D received inj. Diclofenac I.m 75 mg at the same time. Subsequently data regarding pain relief at 30 min,1h, 2h, 4h and 6h using Visual Analog Scale was collected. Duration of analgesia, number of patients asking for rescue analgesia were recorded. Statistical Analysis: This was done using Student test and Chi square tests as and where needed. Results: Comparison of pain scores 30 min and 1 h after drug administration showed superior pain relief with Paracetamol and at 4 and 6h better pain relief with Inj. Diclofenac. Duration of analgesia was significantly longer with inj Diclofenac. Conclusion: We concluded that both I.v Paracetamol and I.m Diclofenac have equal efficacy. The onset was early in Inj. Paracetamol and longer with inj. Diclofenac.

Perspectives