ABSTRACT
Objective:
To compare the effectiveness of metamizole versus ibuprofen for the reduction of pain in retinal photocoagulation (RP).
Method:
A double-masked randomized controlled study was performed. Thirty-four patients with diabetic retinopathy were enrolled. The patients were randomized into two groups. Group A received oral 1000 mg metamizole. Group B received an oral intake of 600 mg ibuprofen. Pain during RP was assessed using a visual analog scale.
Results:
The mean pain scores for groups A and B were 5.2±2.6 and 4.5±1.4 (p=0.34). There were no significant differences in the mean pain scores between the two groups. The same is observed when analyzing by low, medium and high pain (p=0.09). The groups were similar in age and gender.
Conclusion:
Both drugs were equivalents or equipotent in reduce ocular pain during retinal photocoagulation.
Keywords:
Retinal laser photocoagulation; Pain; Analgesia; Retinopathy; Metamizole; Ibuprofen