Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of topical treatment with pregabalin and diclofenac on neuropathic orofacial pain induced by infraorbital nerve injury in the rat.

Methods: Sixty-four Sprague-Dawley rats underwent infraorbital nerve injury. Seven days after surgery, pain was verified and the rats randomly assigned to topical or systemic treatment with pregabalin or diclofenac, or to no treatment. Pain intensity and motor coordination were assessed at baseline, after surgery, and daily after treatment for 4 consecutive days. Medication plasma levels were assessed at the end of the study.

Results: Topical treatment with 10% pregabalin or 5% diclofenac reduced the pain significantly. A significant decrease in motor coordination was found in the systemic pregabalin. The medications' plasma levels were significantly higher in the systemic treatment compared with the topical.

Conclusions: Topical treatment with pregabalin or diclofenac can reduce neuropathic orofacial pain induced by nerve injury.