A comparative evaluation of diclofenac sodium transdermal patch, oral diclofenac sodium with intramuscular injections of diclofenac sodium in patients suffering from oral pain: A randomized control trial.

Background: Newer drug delivery systems such as transdermal patches using pain relieving or modifying agents emerged as a mainstream treatment protocol for management of pain on the outpatient basis. The administration of diclofenac 100 mg in the transdermal patch in the patients having dental pain due to periapical/periodontal infections was evaluated.

Materials and Methods: Ninety patients of either gender, between 18 and 80 years were divided into 3 groups (Group A - oral medication, Group B - transdermal patch, Group C - intramuscular group). Patients at the Dental Department with pain from periapical/periodontal pathologies were explained about the procedure of analgesia. With written consent, 100 mg diclofenac sodium transdermal patches were prescribed to patients who opted their use in pain control for 2 consecutive days. A visual analog scale was provided for all patients assessing the pain intensity during the study.

Results: Significant difference in the mean percentage reduction in visual analog scale (VAS) score among the three groups at day 1 and 2 ( P < 0.001). Post hoc test showed that intramuscular (IM) and oral groups had significantly higher mean VAS score than patch group.

Conclusion: Diclofenac administered through oral and IM routes showed significant improvement in pain relief when compared to the transdermal route. However, diclofenac transdermal patches have shown significant improvement in VAS score between the baseline and consecutive days and can be used in mild pain with lower adverse events.