SYSTEMIC PIROXICAM AS AN ADJUNCT TO PATIENT-CONTROLLED ANALGESIA WITHALFENTANIL FOR POSTOPERATIVE PAIN RELIEF

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, the non-steroidal anti-in flammatory drug, piroxicam, in combination with alfentanil given in a patient-controlled analgesia system, was compared with alfentanil alon e given by the same route for analgesic effect, side effects and acute phase reaction over a 4-day period following anterior crucinte ligame nt reconstruction of the knee. The patients receiving piroxicam had lo wer pain scores and consumed less alfentanil. There were no differencs with regard to side effects between the two treatment groups, apart f rom significantly more sedation at 08.00 h on the first postoperative day in the non-piroxicam group. Piroxicam did not influence either the levels of interleukin-6 or the acute phase response to surgery.