Using Valacyclovir to Manage Pain from Dental Abscesses

Valacyclovir Monotherapy in Pain Management of Acute Apical Abscesses After Performing Emergency Chamber Opening; A Randomized Clinical Trial

PHASE4 · Dow University of Health Sciences · NCT06344195

This study is testing if the medication valacyclovir can help reduce pain after dental abscess surgery compared to standard pain relief with naproxen.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment82 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorDow University of Health Sciences (other)
Locations1 site (Karachi, Sindh)
Trial IDNCT06344195 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of valacyclovir in alleviating postoperative pain in patients with acute apical abscesses following emergency chamber opening. A total of 82 participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving valacyclovir and the other receiving standard treatment with naproxen sodium. Pain levels will be assessed using a numeric rating scale over a period of six days. The study aims to determine if valacyclovir can reduce pain and the reliance on analgesics in these patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with moderate to severe pain due to acute apical abscess and pulp necrosis.

Not a fit: Patients currently on antibiotics or antivirals, smokers, or those with specific dental conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a new option for pain management in patients suffering from acute apical abscesses.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of valacyclovir in this context is novel, other studies have explored antiviral treatments for dental pain with varying results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient Age ≥18 years old
* Healthy patient American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class l and ll.
* Patients having clinical evidence of pulp necrosis and acute apical abscess with radiographic signs of periapical disease.
* Main inclusion criteria is that patient should have moderate to severe pain, it can be calculated as:

  1 to 3 as Mild pain. 4 to 6 as moderate pain. 7 to 10 as severe pain.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient currently on antibiotics or antivirals
* Smokers
* Unusual tooth anatomy or inaccurate diagnosis
* Pregnant or nursing mothers
* Patients allergic to valacyclovir

Where this trial is running

Karachi, Sindh

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Acute Apical Abscess, Valacyclovir Monotherapy, Antiviral drug therapy, Emergency chamber opening, Dental Pain

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.