A comparison of zomepirac and codeine as analgesic premedicants in short-stay surgery

Abstract

Zomepirac is an orally administered non-narcotic analgesic, which is a prostaglandin synthetase inhibitor. Its analgesic properties appear to be similar to those of morphine. Our objective was to assess the efficacy of zomepirac as an orally administered analgesic premedication in short-stay patients, where an effective non-narcotic analgesic might be particularly useful for prophylaxis of postoperative pain. Codeine was chosen for comparison because it is often used for the treatment of postoperative pain.