ABSTRACT
Objective-In this study, the effect of codeine alone and in combination with D2 dopamine agonist bromocriptine in pain sensation during simple tooth extraction or minor oral soft tissue surgery has been examined. Method-Patients [121 male and 91 female] who were undergoing one of the above procedures, were included in this double-blind study. They were given randomly one of the following medications: Codeine [10-20 mg], bromocriptine [2.5-5 mg] in different combinations controlled by a placebo and a dental lidocaine cartridge group. The medication was given 20 minutes before the procedure and the patients subsequently recorded their pain intensity on a scale of 0-3. Results-ANOVA showed significant difference between placebo group and cases who received the combination of bromocriptine and codeine [with certain dosages], but the analgesic effect was significantly lower than the lidocaine group [p<0.05]. Discussion-Patients who received bromocriptine 5 mg plus codeine [10 or 20 mg] had a better effective response than those receiving either of the components alone or placebo. It appears that D2 activation potentiates the response induced by the opioid agonist codeine