Post-rhinoplasty pain control: Intravenous apotel compared with oral oxycodone and acetaminophen codeine

Aim and Acetaminophen, in both oral and intravenous forms (Apotel), is a safe drug in controlling mild to moderate pain. However, Opioids are still a part of routine plan. We compared the effectiveness of Apotel with oral acetaminophen codeine and oxycodone for postoperative pain control. Methods and Materials: In this single blind clinical control trial, 75 patients, being candidate for elective septorhinoplasty, were enrolled and divided into 3 groups. All groups received 1000 mg Apotel in the recovery room; then the first group received 900/30 mg oral acetaminophen codeine after 6 hours QID, the second group received 10 mg oxycodone after 8 hours TDS and the third group received 1000 mg Apotel after 8 hours TDS. All three regimens resulted in a significant pain reduction and there was no significant difference in the pain score at different intervals; however Systolic blood pressure and Diastolic Blood pressure showed significant reduction in the aceminophen codeine and oxycodone group. Considering the significant pain reduction in all the three groups, selection between the 3 regimens should be based on other factors.