Postoperative pain
Supplements studied for postoperative pain.
Overview
Melatonin (DEX Score 56; low effect size, very high evidence, medium trust) has low-strength evidence across 13 studies suggesting it may slightly reduce postoperative pain and analgesic need, though benefits appear small and may not be clinically meaningful. Caffeine (DEX Score 52; low effect size, high evidence, medium trust) may enhance common painkillers after surgery, increasing good pain relief by about 5–10% when added at doses of at least 100 mg.
Beta-Glucan (DEX Score 44; low effect size, low evidence, medium trust) reduced bloating and pain after polyp surgery in one early study. Olive Oil (DEX Score 44; low effect size, low evidence, medium trust) cream applied after Caesarean section reduced pain in one small trial. The heatmap and evidence reviews below compare outcomes.
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SupplementDEX Database
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