Analgesic efficacy of naproxen-codeine, naproxen+dexamethasone, and naproxen on myofascial pain: A randomized double-blind controlled trial

ABSTRACT

Objective

To assess the effects of naproxen sodium-codeine phosphate, naproxen sodium-dexamethasone, and naproxen sodium on myofascial pain.

Methods

This randomized, double-blind prospective clinical study was conducted with patients who applied with the complaint of pain in the temporomandibular region. A total of 169 patients were randomly divided into four groups and received the following treatments: Group A: naproxen sodium 550 mg; Group B: naproxen sodium 550 mg + codeine phosphate 30 mg; Group C: naproxen sodium 550 mg + single-dose dexamethasone 8 mg, and Group D: paracetamol 500 mg.

Results

Of the patients, 132 were female, and 37 were male, with a mean age of 27.04 ± 10.56 (18–69 years). Analgesic efficiency of the naproxen sodium-codeine phosphate group was the most effective at the 2nd week and 4th week (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Naproxen sodium-codeine phosphate might be preferred as an analgesic in similar cases with severe myofascial pain.

KEYWORDS:

• Temporomandibular disorders
• codeine
• naproxen
• dexamethasone
• pain

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Emire BOR (Expert Statistician, EMPIAR Statistical Consulting, Istanbul, Turkey) for her assistance in the statistical evaluation of the data and review of methodology.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

No funding was received for this study.