Comparison of the analgesic efficacy of fluproquazone, propoxyphene and paracetamol in post-hysterectomy pain. Short communication.

A double-blind study was performed to compare the post-operative analgesic efficacy of 100 and 200 mg 4-(p-fluorophenyl)-1-isopropyl-7-methyl-2(1H)-quinazolinone (fluproquazone), 500 mg paracetamol, 65 mg propoxyphene, and placebo in patients with post-hysterectomy pain. The evaluation of efficacy was based on the response to the first dose of each compound and the number of further doses required during a 24-h observation period. The data from the standard sets of questions put to the patients and from the von Zerssen subjective rating questionnaire indicate that the most effective compound administered was fluproquazone in a dose of 200 mg. The following order of analgesic efficacy was established: fluproquazone 200 mg, paracetamol 500 mg and propoxyphene 65 mg. With regard to side effects, fluproquazone 100 mg, paracetamol 500 mg and propoxyphene 65 mg were equally well tolerated. With fluproquazone 200 mg, a slightly higher incidence of side effects was recorded, taking the form of gastro-intestinal irritation and disturbances of the nervous system. Finally, the most favourable relationship of efficacy to side effects was shown by fluproquazone.