Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Postoperative pain is a major concern for patients and healthcare providers following abdominal surgery. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of mexiletine in reducing postoperative pain in patients undergoing abdominal surgery. METHODS: In this double-blind randomized controlled trial, 34 patients were divided into two groups. One group received 600 mg of mexiletine tablets, while the other group received vitamin C tablets (control) two hours before surgery. Postoperative pain levels were assessed at 6, 12, and 24 h by using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Additionally, the amount of narcotics received within the first 24 h after surgery was recorded. RESULTS: The results showed that the average postoperative pain score in patients who received mexiletine was significantly lower than in those who received vitamin C tablets (P<0.001). Furthermore, the average amount of narcotics received after surgery was significantly lower in the mexiletine group compared to the control group (P=0.03). Pain scores at 6, 12, and 24 h after surgery were also significantly lower in the mexiletine group (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Mexiletine was effective in reducing postoperative pain and the need for narcotics in patients undergoing abdominal surgery. This study highlights the potential of mexiletine as a valuable preoperative intervention for postoperative pain management.