ORAL BETA-CYCLODEXTRIN-PIROXICAM VERSUS INTRAMUSCULAR PIROXICAM FOR POSTOPERATIVE PAIN AFTER ORTHOPEDIC-SURGERY

Beta-cyclodextrin-piroxicam, a molecular inclusion complex of piroxica m in beta-cyclodextrin with a quick onset of action, long-lasting effe cts, and good gastric tolerance, was compared with intramuscular pirox icam in a double-blind, randomized study of the treatment of postopera tive pain after major orthopedic surgery. Treatment started 2 hours af ter the end of surgery. The patient received either one tablet of 20-m g beta-cyclodextrin-piroxicam orally and a placebo intramuscular injec tion, or a placebo tablet and an intramuscular injection of piroxicam 20 mg. The same treatment was given on days 2, 3, and 4 at 8 AM. Beta- cyclodextrin-piroxicam provided a rapid and good analgesic effect that was comparable to the analgesic effect of the same dose of intramuscu lar piroxicam.