Development and clinical evaluation of transmucosal mucoadhesive patch of lornoxicam for the odontogenic pain management: A preliminary study

Background: Pain is the most common complaint of the patient that brings him/her to the dentist, pain often occurring in conjunction with inflammation and which considerably reduces the quality of patient's life. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly prescribed for the dental pain management. The gastrointestinal complications associated with NSAIDs can be effectively overcome if they are delivered by transmucosal route in the form of buccal patch. Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of mucoadhesive lornoxicam patches in odontogenic pain management. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted in 60 adult patients of either sex, diagnosed with odontogenic pain, and were attending the outpatient department. Informed consent was obtained from all the patients. A 1 cm × 1 cm mucoadhesive patch containing 4 mg of lornoxicam was applied on the attached gingival region of the tooth with pain. Pain was recorded using a ten-point visual analog scale score before and every 5 min till 30 min after the application of the patch. Statistical analysis was performed using repeated measure ANOVA with P < 0.05. Results: The results of the study revealed a statistically significant drop in the pain scores from baseline to the score recorded after 30 min (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The results of the present study conclusively suggested the suitability, safety, and efficacy of the transmucosal delivery of lornoxicam in the form of mucoadhesive patch for the management of odontogenic pain.