Comparative Evaluation of Transdermal Diclofenac Patch Versus Oral Diclofenac Sodium for Postoperative Pain Management Following Surgical Extractions: A Randomized Clinical Study

Authors: Aashi Jain, Sanya Gupta, Amit Gupta, Aviral Verma, Snehil Shrivastava

DOI: 10.18231/j.jds.12397.1893824998

Keywords: Diclofenac, Transdermal patch, Oral NSAIDs, Postoperative pain, Surgical extraction, Pain management.

Abstract: Background: Effective postoperative pain control is critical in oral surgery. Diclofenac sodium, a common NSAID, is available in various formulations, including oral and transdermal. This study compares the efficacy, tolerability, and adverse effects of transdermal versus oral diclofenac sodium in managing postoperative pain after surgical extractions. Materials and Methods: A randomized clinical study was conducted on 40 patients undergoing surgical tooth extractions, divided into two groups (n=20 each). Group A received 200 mg transdermal diclofenac patches (once daily for 3 days), and Group B received 100 mg oral diclofenac tablets (twice daily for 3 days). Pain relief was evaluated using a 4-point pain relief score scale on postoperative days 1, 2, and 3. Tolerability, adverse effects, and patient comfort were also assessed. Results: Group A showed significantly higher mean pain relief scores on all three days compared to Group B (p<0.05). Group A had fewer adverse effects, with 90% reporting no complications, compared to 50% in Group B (p=0.0002). Tolerability and patient comfort were significantly better in Group A (p=0.019 and p=0.003, respectively). Conclusion: Transdermal diclofenac patches provide effective and well-tolerated postoperative pain relief with fewer side effects and better patient compliance than oral diclofenac. They present a viable alternative for postoperative analgesia in oral surgery.Keywords: