The anti-inflammatory and analgesic efficacy of nimesulide was assessed and compared with that of naproxen in the postoperative treatment of inflammatory complications of maxillo-facial surgery in a double-blind study. A total of 60 patients were randomly assigned to treatment with nimesulide (100mg twice daily) or naproxen (250mg twice daily) for 6 to 14 days. Treatment with either drug prevented the development of, or ameliorated the signs and symptoms associated with, the inflammatory process (spontaneous pain, difficulty in chewing and swallowing, swelling, hyperaemia, muscle contracture, poor sleep quality). Indeed, most patients experienced complete resolution of their signs and symptoms. The efficacy of nimesulide was considered to be superior to that of naproxen, although both drugs were tolerated equally well.