AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:  The aims and objectives of the present study was to

compare and evaluate the analgesic efficacy of transdermal patch (NuPatch®) and oral

diclofenac sodium during postoperative period in patient undergoing quadrant

periodontal flap surgery and to compare and evaluate the patient compliance, tolerance,

and adverse reaction following the use of NuPatch® and oral diclofenac sodium.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:  A total of 60 quadrants were divided into groups

based on inclusion and exclusion criterias as follows: Group I (30 quadrants): 

Diclofenac sodium 50 mg b.i.d will be given for three days in patients undergoing flap

surgery in one quadrant.  Group II (30 quadrants):  NuPatch® 100 mg once daily will be

given for three days to be applied on the deltoid region after flap surgery. Pain Intensity and pain relief were assessed postoperatively at two, six, and twelve hours on the same day and also on the 2nd and 3rd day using pain score chart consisting of Numerical Rating Scale and Visual Analog Scale by the respective patients.

RESULTS:  The pain intensity and pain relief were found to be significantly reduced

after first day in the group 2 compared to group 1.  Adverse reaction like gastric irritation was found in group 1 with no adverse reaction in group 2.

CONCLUSION: The transdermal diclofenac patch seems to be a promising analgesic

modality for the management of mild to moderate pain following periodontal flap

surgeries, given the evidence of its established analgesic potency with a minimum

incidence of systemic adverse effects.