Comparative evaluation of efficacy of topical 5% amlexanox oral paste and 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide oral paste in the treatment of oral ulcers

Background: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common condition of the mucosa of oral cavity. The present study was aimed to compare efficacy of triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% and 5% amlexanox in management of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS). Materials & Methods: The present study was conducted on 48 patients with history of recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Patients were divided into 2 groups of 24 each. Group I was prescribed topical application of 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide and groupie was given topical application of 5% amlexanox. Both were to be applied on ulcers three times a day for 5 minutes. Patients were evaluated on 1^st day, 4^th day and 7^th day for pain, size and erythema. Results: Group I had 10 males and 14 females and group II had 12 males and 12 females. The difference was non- significant (P>0.05). The mean VAS score in group I on 1^st day was 5.2, in group II was 6.4. On 4^th day it was 3.2 in group I and 3.6 in group II. It was 1.4 in group I and 2.0 in group II on 7^th day. The difference was significant (P<0.05). The mean size of ulcer on 1^st day was 4.3 mm and 4.8 mm in group I and group II respectively. It was 3.4 mm and 3.2 mm on 4^th day in group I and group II respectively. It was 2.6 mm and 1.8 mm on 7^th day in group I and group II respectively. The difference was non- significant (P>0.05). On 1^st day, there was severe erythema seen in both groups. On 7^th day, it was mild in both groups. Conclusion: Both 5% amlexanox and 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide found to be effective in reducing size, erythema and pain in cases of aphthous ulcers.