Codeine and propoxyphene in postepisiotomy pain. A two-dose evaluation
C. M. Gruber Jr
In a double-blind control study, oral doses of placebo, propoxyphene
napsylate (50 or 100 mg), or codeine sulfate (30 or 60 mg) were
administered to 46 postepisiotomy patients, grouped by severity of pain
reported at first-dose drug administration. Eight hourly observations by a
trained observer provided estimates of analgesia. The analgesia scores for
placebo treatments were significantly lower than for the lesser doses of
either drug (P less than .05) as well as for the greater doses (P less than
.01). At both dose levels, the analgesia scores for both drugs were almost
identical. Analgesia with the higher doses was greater than with the lower,
but not to a statistically significant extent. The difference in patient
responses increased following the second dose. No serious adverse reactions
occurred; the elicited and volunteered reports of minor side effects were
similar for all five treatments.
