Comparative Efficacy of Naproxen and Ibuprofen for Post-Endodontic Pain in Irreversible Pulpitis

Uroosa Zeb; Sana Ali; Mustafa Kamal; Nayab Unmol; Nawal Fatima

doi:10.65293/jbkcd.v1i02.13

Authors

Uroosa Zeb Lecturer, Dental Department, College of Medical Technology, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
Sana Ali Dental Department, College of Medical Technology, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
Mustafa Kamal Elizabeth Rani College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
Nayab Unmol Elizabeth Rani College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
Nawal Fatima Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.65293/jbkcd.v1i02.13

Keywords:

Naproxen, Ibuprofen, Post-operative Pain, Endodontic Treatment, Irreversible Pulpitis, NSAIDs

Abstract

Objective: To assess the efficacy of Naproxen compared to Ibuprofen in alleviating post-operative endodontic pain.

Study Design: Single-blind randomized controlled trial

Place & Duration: Outpatient Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, at Bacha Khan College of Dentistry, Mardan, from January 2023, to June 2023.

Materials & Methods: A total of 120 patients receiving endodontic treatment for irreversible pulpitis were randomly allocated to receive either Naproxen (500 mg) or Ibuprofen (400 mg) every eight hours. Pain severity was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS, 0–10) at baseline, as well as at 6-, 12-, and 24-hours post-treatment. The necessity for supplementary analgesics and the harmful effects were also recorded. Statistical analysis was conducted utilizing the independent t-test and chi-square test.

Results: Pain alleviation at 6 and 12 hours was similar across groups (p > 0.05). At 24 hours, Naproxen yielded considerably superior pain relief (VAS 1.9 ± 1.0 vs. 2.5 ± 1.2, p = 0.04) and a larger percentage reduction from baseline (76.0% vs. 68.8%, p = 0.03). Age and gender affected therapeutic efficacy, as older patients (>40 years) and females exhibited a superior response to Naproxen (p < 0.05). The requirement for rescue analgesics was reduced in the Naproxen group (16.7%) relative to the Ibuprofen group (25.0%), although this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.21). Adverse effects were minimal and similar (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Both drugs effectively alleviated post-operative pain. However, Naproxen demonstrated superior analgesic efficacy after 24 hours, particularly in older patients and females, making it a preferable option over Ibuprofen.

Author Biography

Uroosa Zeb, Lecturer, Dental Department, College of Medical Technology, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Corresponding Author: uroosazeb345@gmail.com

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