Comparative Evaluation Of Antibacterial Efficacy Of Nonantibacterial Drugs - Diclofenac Sodium, Omeprazole And Cetirizine Against E. Faecalis When Used As An Intracanal Medicament: An In Vitro Study

Efficacy Of Nonantibacterial Drugs - Diclofenac Sodium, Omeprazole And Cetirizine Against E. Faecalis

Abstract

Background: Microorganisms, especially Enterococcus faecalis, play a major role in pulpal and
periapical diseases and often survive root canal treatment due to complex canal anatomy and biofilm
formation. Conventional intracanal medicaments like calcium hydroxide have limitations against resistant
bacteria, leading to interest in non-antibiotic drugs with antimicrobial properties. Drugs such as Diclofenac
sodium, Cetirizine, and Omeprazole have shown potential antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects in
endodontics. Therefore, this study was conducted to compare the antimicrobial efficacy of Diclofenac
Sodium, Calcium Hydroxide, Cetirizine, and Omeprazole against E. faecalis at 24 hours and 7 days.Aim: This
study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of non-antibacterial drugs—diclofenac, omeprazole, and
cetirizine—against Enterococcus faecalis when used as intracanal medicaments at time interval of 24 hr and
7 days in endodontic treatments. Settings and Design: An in-vitro comparative study. Materials and Method:
The study comprised of four test groups- Group – 1 [Ca (OH)2 (16mg/ml)], Group – 2 [Diclofenac sodium (400
mg/ml)], Group – 3 [Omeprazole (4 mg/ml)], Group – 4 [Cetirizine (2 mg/ml)], each group contained 10
samples, which were evaluated for antibacterial efficacy using agar well diffusion test. The experimental
specimens were then placed on agar plates inoculated with E. faecalis, and the area of inhibition was
calculated. Statistical analysis: Antibacterial efficacy was evaluated using multiple group comparison using
One-way Anova, Posthoc Tukey test and Paired t-test. Results: All the experimental groups exhibited
bacterial inhibition; however, group 2 exhibited highest antibacterial activity compared to group 1,3 and 4.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates the promising antibacterial efficacy of non-antibacterial drugs,
particularly diclofenac sodium, when used as intracanal medicament against Enterococcus faecalis,
highlighting its potential as an effective alternative in endodontic treatments. [Patel P Natl J Integr Res Med,
2026; 17(1): 15-21, Published on Dated: 07/07/2026]