Use of ibuprofen and methylprednisolone for the prevention of pain and swelling after removal of impacted third molars.

To test a combination treatment of ibuprofen and methylprednisolone for pain and swelling. The efficacy of 32 mg methylprednisolone on pain and swelling when given 12 hours before and after surgery in combination with 400 mg ibuprofen three times a day given immediately on the day of the operation and on the two subsequent days following removal of impacted third molars was investigated in a placebo-controlled, intraindividual double-blind study. After use of ibuprofen/methylprednisolone, ultrasonic examination showed a reduction in swelling of 56% (P < .001) compared with the placebo group; measurement with a tape measure showed a 58% (P < .001) reduction in swelling. The visual analog scale showed a reduction of 67.7% in postoperative pain in comparison with placebo. The combination of ibuprofen and methylprednisolone has good analgesic and antiinflammatory action.