Efficacy and safety of ibuprofen gargle for postoperative pain after mandibular third molar extraction: A phase II, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized crossover trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate the postoperative efficacy and safety of using an ibuprofen gargle as a pain management strategy for patients who have undergone mandibular third molar extraction. We also ensured that the quality of treatment was not compromised throughout the study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio into two groups: the ibuprofen-placebo (IP) group and the placebo-ibuprofen (PI) group. On postoperative Day (POD) 1, the IP group initiated ibuprofen administration, while the PI group started taking placebo. On POD 2, the IP group switched to using placebo, whereas the PI group switched to ibuprofen. From PODs 3-5, both groups were prescribed ibuprofen gargle. The primary endpoint was within-subject visual analog scale (VAS) score before and 5 min after the first use of the ibuprofen or placebo gargle on PODs 1 and 2 (ΔVAS5_ibuprofen - ΔVAS5_placebo ). The incidence and severity of adverse events were assessed using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0 and a subjective rating scale. RESULTS: This study enrolled 40 patients. The within-subject VAS5 of the IP and PI groups were 1.25 ± 12.0 and -5.26 ± 8.93 mm, respectively. The treatment effect of ibuprofen gargle was -2.01 ± 10.62 mm (p = .246). None of the patients in each group presented with serious adverse events or clinically significant complications (including dry sockets) after extraction. Transient adverse events, such as throat tingling and oral discomfort (grade 1), were observed in each group. CONCLUSION: Ibuprofen gargle was safe but did not provide significant pain relief when used after mandibular third molar extraction.

Efficacy of Ibuprofen Gargle for Postoperative Pain After Mandibular Third Molar Extraction: Protocol for a Phase II, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Randomized Crossover Trial.

BACKGROUND: Extraction of mandibular third molars is one of the most commonly performed oral surgical procedures, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used for pain management. Oral NSAIDs are associated with adverse events such as gastrointestinal disorders, renal and hepatic dysfunction, and platelet dysfunction. Topical analgesics have been proposed as alternatives to oral and injectable medications to safely improve postoperative pain relief. We will conduct a single-center, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized crossover trial to assess the pain-relieving effect of an ibuprofen-containing gargle in patients undergoing extraction of mandibular third molars when compared with a placebo gargle. OBJECTIVE: This will be the first clinical study to compare the efficacy of an ibuprofen gargle with that of a placebo for relieving postoperative pain in addition to loxoprofen after mandibular third molar extraction. METHODS: This study will be performed at Kobe University Hospital. Participants (N=40) will be randomized equally to 1 of 2 groups. The ibuprofen-placebo group will receive an ibuprofen gargle on postoperative day (POD) 1 and a placebo gargle on POD 2. The placebo-ibuprofen group will receive a placebo gargle on POD 1 and an ibuprofen gargle on POD 2. Both groups will receive ibuprofen gargles on PODs 3-5 at least once daily. The primary objective is to estimate the within-subject difference on a visual analog scale (VAS) before and 5 minutes after using the ibuprofen or placebo gargle on PODs 1 and 2. The secondary objectives are to estimate the within-subject differences in ΔVAS before and 15 minutes after using the ibuprofen or placebo gargle on PODs 1 and 2, ΔVAS before and 5 or 15 minutes after using the ibuprofen gargle on PODs 3-5, overall efficacy (self-completion, 5 scales) on PODs 1-5, daily frequency of use (ibuprofen or placebo gargle and analgesics) on PODs 1-7, and the occurrence of adverse events. RESULTS: The Certified Review Board of Kobe University approved the study. The intervention was implemented in May 2021. For the primary analysis, we will calculate the mean and SD of ΔVAS5 on PODs 1 and 2 and the within-study difference in ΔVAS5. The treatment effect will be estimated by dividing the mean ΔVAS5 in the within-subject difference by 2 and calculating the P value using an unpaired t test. For the secondary analysis, we will calculate the mean and SD of ΔVAS15 on PODs 1 and 2 and the within-study difference in ΔVAS15. The treatment effect will be estimated as in the primary analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This trial will provide exploratory evidence of the efficacy and safety of an ibuprofen gargle for pain reduction after mandibular third molar extraction. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Japan Registry of Clinical Trials jRCTs051210022; https://tinyurl.com/39ej23zu. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/35533.