EVALUATION OF ORAL KETOROLAC, OXYCODONE PLUS ACETAMINOPHEN, AND PLACEBO FOR PAIN RELIEF AFTER ORTHOPEDIC-SURGERY

This multicenter, randomized, controlled study evaluated the analgesic effects and safety profile of a single oral dose of ketorolac 10 mg ( KET), oxycodone 5 mg plus acetaminophen 325 mg (OXY), and placebo (PLA ) in patients with at least moderate pain after orthopedic surgery. Tw o hundred forty-two patients were enrolled. The three groups were demo graphically similar; mean age was 41.7 years. Pain intensity differenc e scores were greater in the OXY group at hour 2 postdose (P = 0.052) but were greater in the KET group at hours 5 and 6 (P less-than-or-equ al-to 0.032). Summed pain intensity difference (SPID) scores were simi lar for both OXY and KET and significantly better than PIA at hours 3 and 6 (P < 0.001). Total pain relief scores at hours 3 and 6 were simi lar in the two active treatment groups and significantly better than i n the PLA group (P < 0.0016). Minor side effects occurred in 42% of pa tients and were comparable in the two active treatment groups. Oral ke torolac is an effective postoperative oral analgesic medication that m ay be used as an alternative to oral opioids after orthopedic surgery.