Objective This study aims to evaluate the effect of Zhongtongan in the treatment of temporomandibular joint(TMJ) pain after radiotherapy. Methods Patients diagnosed with TMJ pain after radiotherapy were selected. The test groups are treated with Zhongtongan, whereas the control groups were separately treated with ibuprofen and vitamin E. Visual analog scale values of pain and range of motion were observedalong with adverse drug reactions. Results Zhongtongan or ibuprofen alleviated the degree of TMJ pain and improved the range of motion. No significant difference was found between the effects of the two drugs. The adverse drug reactions of ibuprofen were more serious than those of Zhongtongan. A significant difference was found between the two drugs in terms of adverse drug reaction. Conclusion The effect of Zhongtongan in the treatment of TMJ pain was confirmed. Compared with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Zhongtongan was found to be safer and has lessadverse drug reactions than ibuprofen. Furthermore, Zhongtongan can be used as an alternative medicine for patients intolerant to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
