Abstract: Objective To observe the effects of different administration timing of analgesics on the intensity and duration of pain caused by dressing changes on burn. Methods Forty male patients with lower limb burn were randomly divided into the experimental group (Pre group) and the control group (Post Group). Patients in Pre group were given flurbiprofen axetil 50 mg 30 minutes before dressing change, and patients in Post group were given flurbiprofen axetil with the same dose immediately after dressing change. The maximum heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and subjective pain score (numerical rating scale, NRS) were recorded before dressing change, and at the time points of 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 14 and 24 hours after dressing change. The simultaneous assessment of NRS was also recorded. Results Compared with the Post group, HR, SBP and DBP were lower in the Pre group during dressing change and 1 hour after dressing change (P＜0.05). SBP was lower at 4,14 h and DBP at 8 h was also lower in the Post group (P＜ 0.05). Compared with the Post group, NRS was lower during dressing change and within 4 hours after dressing change in the Pre group (P＜0.05). Compared with the Post group, patients in the Pre group recovered to mild pain more quickly after dressing change (P＜0.05). Conclusion Thirty minutes administration of analgesics before dressing change can significantly reduce the intensity of dressing change pain and the duration of pain after dressing change.

Key words: burns, pain, analgesia, preemptive analgesia, burn dressing change