Abstract
A double blind trial for a new anti-inflammatory agent in suppository form, diclofenac sodium (Voltaren), was conducted together with indomethacin suppository administration regarding efficacy and tolerability for treatment of pain and inflammations after tonsillectomy. An equal number of patients in both groups (diclofenac sodium groups: 25 men and 33 women, indomethacin group: 34 men and 24 women) were administered a daily dose of 100mg of each drug for six days. The results obtained from this trial did not reveal any statistical difference in overall efficacy and utility between both groups.
In the diclofenac sodium group, however, a significantly higher percentage of improvement in pain at the time of swallowing on the day of operation was observed (P<0.05). Adverse reactions were observed with 8 cases (13.8%) of diclofenac sodium group and in 5 cases (8.6%) in the indomethacin group. There were no serious side effects in either group.
Laboratory tests were normal in patients on diclofenac sodium, but abnormalities such as decreased RBC, decreased Hgb and elevated GPT, were noted in two patients in the indomethacin group.
