Effect of propranolol on TMD pain

Authors

Kanokporn Bhalang
Venus Khemkhun
Apinya Srilekarat
Lakana Luangjarmekorn

Publication Date

2005-05-01

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to test whether propranolol, a non selective beta-adrenergic receptor blocker, can reduce clinical pain of patients with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD). Materials and methods Four TMD subjects received 2 weeks of propranolol (20 mg/day for the first week and 40 mg/day for the second week), followed by a 2-week washout period and 2 weeks of placebo tablets. Pain ratings (average pain, highest pain, lowest pain, and percentage of the time that subjects had pain) were recorded daily. All subjects and the investigator were blinded to the type of medication the subjects took at each period. The levels of pain between each period were compared using Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test. Results Forty mg propranolol reduced overall pain ratings in TMD patients while 20 mg propranolol did not. However, there was no statistically significant difference when the levels of pain during the propranolol period were compared to those during baseline and placebo periods (p < .05). When participants were asked to indicated which 2-week period they received test medication, all subjects identified the period correctly. Conclusion These preliminary findings of 4 TMD subjects suggest that propranolol can reduce clinical pain from TMD, although it is not significantly different from placebo.

DOI

10.58837/CHULA.CUDJ.28.2.1

First Page

89

Last Page

98

Recommended Citation

Bhalang, Kanokporn; Khemkhun, Venus; Srilekarat, Apinya; and Luangjarmekorn, Lakana (2005) "Effect of propranolol on TMD pain," Chulalongkorn University Dental Journal: Vol. 28: Iss. 2, Article 1.
DOI: 10.58837/CHULA.CUDJ.28.2.1
Available at: https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/cudj/vol28/iss2/1