Safety and opioid-sparing effect of parecoxib for postoperative analgesia on the lower limbs operation.

Objective:To approach the therapeutic effect and opioid-sparing effect of intravenous parecoxib sodium for postoperative analgesia on the lower limbs operation.Methods:It was a randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled study.After obtaining ethic committee approval and written informed consent,ASA Ⅰor Ⅱ,220 patients aged 18-60 years old undergoing operation on the lower limbs under epidural anesthesia were randomly allocated to one of 2 groups:parecoxib group received intravenous parecoxib 40 mg immediately and 12 h after the end of operation;control group received normal saline instead of parecoxib.The patients in both groups received intravenous PCA with fentanyl.The intensity of pain was measured using VAS score,and recorded at 2,4,8,12 and 24h after operation;the fentanyl consumption were recorded at 12 and 24 h after operation,the number of the patients who received rescue medication were recorded and compared between the two groups;safety evaluation included vital signs,adverse effects and results of clinical laboratory tests.Results:The 2 groups were compared with respect to age,body weight and height.The VAS scored at the different time points were significantly lower in parecoxib group than in control group;The fentanyl consumption at 12 h and 24 h after operation was significantly less in parecoxib group than in control group.The number of unsatisfied demand and efficiently delivered doses were significantly higher in control group than in parecoxib group;there were no serious adverse effects in both groups.Conclusion Parecoxib sodium 40 mg given intravenous twice a day can reduce the fentanyl consumption and improve postoperative analgesia.