A comparison of the efficacy and rate of side-effects of mefenamic acid and naproxen in adult patients following elective tonsillectomy: A randomized double-blind study

SummaryThe aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and side-effects of mefenamic acid as compared to naproxen administered postoperatively to patients following elective tonsillectomy.MethodsFifty patients received either naproxen or mefenamic acid given postoperatively in a randomized fashion following elective tonsillectomy. General anaesthesia for the tonsillectomies was administered in a standardized fashion. Pain intensity was assessed postoperatively at rest and on exertion using the numeric rating scale (NRS) and analgesic consumption. The side-effects were also documented.ResultsForty-one patients were included in the assessment. There were no significant differences with respect to the demographic data. After the 48th postoperative hour the NRS score demonstrated a significant difference in pain intensity at rest and on exertion in favour of the mefenamic acid group. There was no difference in the rate of side-effects between the two groups.ConclusionMefenamic acid is a more effective analgesic than naproxen given postoperatively following elective tonsillectomies.