American journal of therapeutics
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Valdecoxib is more efficacious than rofecoxib in relieving pain associated with oral surgery.
Inhibition of the cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 enzyme has been shown previously to reduce pain and inflammation. Valdecoxib is a new highly selective COX-2 inhibitor with a rapid onset of action and significant analgesic properties. This study compared the analgesic efficacy of valdecoxib and rofecoxib in treating postoperative pain in patients undergoing oral surgery. ⋯ Valdecoxib also demonstrated efficacy that was superior to that of rofecoxib with respect to the percentage of patients requiring rescue medication or experiencing regimen failure (p < or =.05). Valdecoxib, rofecoxib, and placebo were equally well tolerated. This study demonstrates that valdecoxib provides significantly greater analgesic efficacy than rofecoxib in the management of pain after oral surgery.