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The analgesic efficacy and tolerability of diclofenac-potassium 50 mg were compared with those of glafenine 200 mg in 109 outpatients suffering from moderate to severe dental pain. Throughout the four-day trial period, patients (Diclofenac-potassium: n = 58, mean age = 32.84 +/- 12.0 yrs. Glafenine n = 51, mean age = 34.12 +/- 14.0 yrs.) were randomised, in a double-blind fashion, to receive one tablet of either medications three times daily, together with an antibiotic, ampicillin, 500 mg, 8 hourly. Half an hour following the administration of the first analgesic dose, both treatment groups showed highly statistically significant (P < 0.001) reductions in the mean pain level when compared with their baseline values. The mean decrease of pain level in diclofenac-potassium group after 1/2 hour was significantly (P < 0.01) greater than that in the glafenine group. Moreover, the percent of pain free patients after 1/2 hour in the diclofenac-potassium group was significantly higher (P = 0.05) compared with those in the glafenine group. The mean decreases in pain and tenderness on the second and fourth days, in relation to their initial values, were greater in the diclofenac-potassium treated patients than the glafenine treated ones. The overall evaluation of therapeutic effect was considered excellent in 72% of the diclofenac- potassium patients compared with 57% of the glafenine patients. Furthermore, 95% of the diclofenac-potassium patients, compared with 90% of the glafenine ones, expressed their willingness to use the trial medication again in similar conditions. None of the patients in both treatment groups discontinued the trial due to unwanted effects. Both therapies were well tolerated. Only one patient (1.72%) in the diclofenac-potassium treatment group experienced slight diarrhoea. It can be concluded from this study that both medications are effective and well tolerated in the management of dental pain. However, diclofenac-potassium with its fast onset of effect is particularly suitable in the management of acute painful conditions.