The Efficacy and Clinical Application of Mefenamic Acid in Odontogenic Pain Management: A Comprehensive Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33687/ricosbiol.03.04.0059Keywords:
Mefenamic acid, NSAIDs, odontogenic pain, pain management, COX inhibitors, COX inhibitors, Mefenamic acid, NSAIDs, odontogenic pain, pain managementAbstract
Odontogenic pain, arising from inflammation of dental and periodontal tissues, is a common and challenging issue in dental practice. It impacts patient comfort, treatment adherence, and oral health. Effective pain management is crucial for successful clinical outcomes. Mefenamic acid is widely prescribed for its efficacy in managing diverse dental pain conditions.This review evaluates the effectiveness, safety, and mechanisms of action of mefenamic acid in managing odontogenic pain, including primary, post-extraction, pulpitis, and periodontal pain. A systematic review was performed on clinical studies, randomized control trials, and meta-analyses from PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases. The study aimed to examine the analgesic effect, adverse effects, and other clinical uses of mefenamic acid compared with other NSAIDs used in dentistry. Mefenamic acid has been shown to have analgesic properties that may stem from its inhibition of the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which decreases the pain and inflammatory response associated with prostaglandin synthesis. Clinical research has repeatedly validated its efficacy in treating post-extraction, pulpitis, and periodontal pains. However, gastrointestinal side effects, particularly dyspepsia and other forms of gastropathy seem to be the most broadly documented, so care must be taken with case selection and follow-up. Some research suggests that mefenamic acid is at least as effective as some of the most common NSAIDs, including ibuprofen and diclofenac, and is not as harmful to the stomach as ibuprofen. While the role of mefenamic acid in the pain management of dentistry is well established, further investigation is needed to analyze its clinical implementation and to establish a level of treatment that is optimal in terms of dosage, duration, and effectiveness, especially in comparison to new, more selective NSAIDs. Moreover, ongoing research on novel drug design, pharmacogenetic determinants of NSAID utility, and other means of treating pain will surely improve the clinical usefulness of mefenamic acid. Mefenamic acid is a valuable option for managing odontogenic pain, but careful patient selection and monitoring are essential to minimize potential adverse effects, and future research should focus on optimizing its use.
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