A Double-Blind Comparison of Naproxen with Indomethacin in Osteoarthritis

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Abstract
A study has been undertaken to compare the efficacy of naproxen 500 mg daily with indometha-cin 100 mg daily in 35 out-patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the hip and knee. The study took the form of a double-blind crossover, patients receiving 4 weeks of medication on each drug. Laboratory tests were carried out 6 times during the study to analyze clinical safety, and parameters measuring improvement in pain and locomotor activity were assessed at 2 weekly intervals. Laboratory tests did not vary significantly on either drug. Both drugs produced diminution of pain and improvement in movement. The most marked changes were noted in walking time and stair climbing time where, in the knee group the improvement was greater with naproxen than with indomethacin. When the incidence of side effects thought to be drug related by the physician was analysed it was found that there were statistically fewer on naproxen than on indomethacin (p< 0.001). It is concluded that naproxen is a safe, efficacious, well tolerated drug for the treatment of osteoarthritis and compares most favourably with indomethacin.

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