Efficacy of transdermal diclofenac patch as an analgesic following premolar extractions in orthodontic patients

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of transdermal diclofenac patch versus oral diclofenac tablet as analgesic following premolar extractions in orthodontic patients. Materials and Methods: Thirty-three symmetrical pairs of indicated premolars (either first or second) were included for the present study. Each patient was given either transdermal diclofenac sodium patch 100 mg once a day or oral diclofenac tablet 50 mg twice a day for 3 days after the extraction. Pain was assessed by a 10-point visual analog scale and 4-point verbal rating scale given to the patient for each day for 3 days after the extraction. All observational findings were recorded, tabulated, and analyzed statistically. Results: This study consisted of 33 patients with a mean age of 18.73 ± 3.677 years. Out of 33 patients included in this study, 5 were male and 28 were female. The result of the study showed that consecutive postoperative days transdermal diclofenac patch was slightly more efficient in controlling the postoperative pain in the extraction done for the orthodontic purpose than diclofenac oral tablet, however statistically no significant difference was observed using Chi-square test (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Transdermal diclofenac patch showed potential analgesic modality for the management of mild-to-moderate intensity pain in premolar orthodontic extraction, with lower incidence of systemic adverse effects. However, cost and availability may limit the use of transdermal patch.