Double-blind comparison of piroxicam and mefenamic acid in the treatment of oral surgical pain.

Single doses of piroxicam (20 mg) and mefenamic acid (500 mg) were compared, double-blind, for analgesic effectiveness in the treatment of oral surgical pain in out-patients. Excluding placebo responders and patients with mild or no baseline pain, 118 cases (57 piroxicam, 61 mefenamic acid) were analyzed for efficacy. The treatments were statistically equivalent and highly effective; over 75% of patients in both groups reported a reduction of 2 points or more in pain severity. The percentage of patients reporting complete relief of severe pain was slightly higher for piroxicam, the onset of analgesic activity was equivalent, and side effects were infrequent (5%) and mild with both medications. Piroxicam was clearly efficacious in relieving post-exodontic pain. If these findings are confirmed in other painful conditions and safety on extended use is established, piroxicam should prove quite useful as a general analgesic for the treatment of a wide variety of painful conditions.