Tenoxicam 20 mg pretreatment effectively reduced the occurrence and intensity of Propofol injection pain.

This prospective randomized study was conducted with the objective of comparing the effects of two different dosages of Tenoxicam (NSAID) to prevent Propofol injection pain.

A total of 120 subjects (aged between 20 and 50 years) scheduled for elective surgery were included. Patients were randomized into three groups. As a pretreatment, group 1 was given 5 mL saline, group 2 was given Tenoxicam 10 mg in saline 5 mL, and group 3 was given Tenoxicam 20 mg in saline 5 mL. After the injection, a rubber tourniquet was used to establish venous occlusion for 60 seconds. After Propofol injection, the patient's discomfort at the injection site was assessed using the Verbal Rating Scale.

During Propofol injection, the occurrence of overall pain in group 1 was 85%, in group 2 it was 75%, and in group 3 it was 60%. No notable difference existed between groups 1 and 2, there was one between groups 1 and 3. Furthermore, as compared to group 1, there was a substantial decrease in the amount of severe pain in group 3. Regarding mild and moderate pain levels, no significant difference was recorded.

In comparison with the control saline group, Tenoxicam pretreatment was beneficial in lowering the occurrence and severity of Propofol injection discomfort, while the 10 mg dosage did not substantially reduce injection pain.