Syeda Amina Hanif, Ammara Azmat, Saleha Sadeeqa.
Rational use of analgesics in dental practice.
Pak Oral Dental J Jan ;36(2):282-5.

The most common reason for seeking dental treatment is pain which may be due to different reasons and both surgical and non-surgical treatments necessitate the use of prescription analgesics. The aim of the study was to find out the common pain killers used in dental practice and to focus on their proper use both by the patients and practitioners and associated side effects. A retrospective study on 50 patients with dental pain and 50 practitioners working at different secondary care hospitals was conducted. Effectiveness and side effects of these medications were studied using the data collection form. Fifty pre-designed questionnaires were filled by patients with dental pain and practitioners. The questionnaire contained the content to determine the proper use of analgesics and their associated side effects. Then the Proformas were evaluated on the basis of percentages and results were displayed in graphical form. Ninety eight percent practitioners prescribed NSAIDs while only 2% prescribed opioids in severe conditions. The most commonly prescribed NSAIDs were flurbiprofen, they were prescribed by 40% respondents, paracetamol 16%, nimesulide 14%, ibuprofen 10%, diclofenac, naproxen 8% and mefenamic acid 4%. Certain side effects like stomach upset, chest burn and intestinal bleeding were associated with the use of NSAIDs. The most common group of class used for pain reduction was non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including flurbiprofen, paracetamol.Conclusively, attention must be given to the rational use of analgesics as irrational use by the patients and the irrational prescribing by practitioners has been observed.

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