Comparison of the analgesic effects of dihydrocodeine tartrate, paracetamol and phenyton sodium

Abstract

One hundred and thirty five patients (age 18 –70 years) with baseline pain of varying degrees in the post operative period, had their pain treated with dihydrocodeine, paracetamol and phenytoin sodium. At the end of 48 hours from commencement of treatment, the patients were asked to give an assessment of pain relief, using the modified global rating scale as poor (1), fair (2) and good (3). The results showed dihydrocodeine to give ‘good' relief in 86%; phenytoin in 47% and paracetamol in 34 % of patients with severe pain. Phenytoin is therefore a stronger analgesic agent than paracetamol but not as strong as dihydrocodeine.


KEY WORDS: Pain, Analgesia, Dihydrocodeine, Paracetamol, Phenytoin.


Global Jnl Medical Sciences Vol.2(2) 2003: 121-125