Diclofenac Potassium in Acute Postoperative Pain and Dysmenorrhoea: Results from Comprehensive Clinical Trial Reports
Table 1
Efficacy and adverse event data for postoperative dental studies.
Outcomes
Percent with outcome
Risk ratio (95% CI)
NNT, NNTp, or NNH (95% CI)
Comparison with aspirin 650 mg
Drug and dose
Active
Placebo
At least 50% maximum pain relief (TOTPAR)
Diclofenac-K 50 mg
57
9
6.4 (5.1 to 15)
2.1 (1.7 to 2.6)
Diclofenac-K 100 mg
68
9
7.7 (4.3 to 14)
1.7 (1.4 to 2.0)
Aspirin 650 mg
44
9
5.0 (2.7 to 9.1)
2.9 (2.2 to 4.1)
Global evaluation—“very good or excellent”
Diclofenac-K 50 mg
54
8
6.7 (3.5 to 13)
2.2 (1.8 to 2.8)
Diclofenac-K 100 mg
65
8
8.2 (4.4 to 15)
1.8 (1.5 to 2.1)
Aspirin 650 mg
40
8
5.0 (2.6 to 9.5)
3.2 (2.4 to 4.7)
Patients who remedicate within 8 hours
NNTp
Diclofenac-K 50 mg
59
85
0.7 (0.6 to 0.8)
3.7 (2.6 to 6.3)
Diclofenac-K 100 mg
45
85
0.5 (0.4 to 07)
2.5 (2.0 to 3.4)
Aspirin 650 mg
71
85
0.8 (0.7 to 0.9)
6.8 (4.0 to 23)
Patients experiencing any adverse event
NNH
Diclofenac-K 50 mg
10
9
1.1 (0.5 to 2.5)
Not calculated
Diclofenac-K 100 mg
13
9
1.4 (0.7 to 3.0)
Not calculated
Aspirin 650 mg
10
9
1.0 (0.5 to 2.2)
Not calculated
Note: comparisons were carried out using a two-tailed z-test (Tramer et al. [1]). statistical significance; NNT = number needed to treat for one to benefit; NNTp = number needed to treat to prevent one event; NNH = number needed to treat for one to be harmed.
