Diclofenac Sodium versus Acetylsalicylic Acid: A Randomized Study in Febrile Patients

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Abstract
One hundred and twenty adult patients with high temperatures (≥38°C) brought about by influenza viruses or other conditions were randomly treated with two different antipyretics: a) a 25 mg sodium diclofenac tablet (Novapirina) every 12 hours for 2 consecutive days; b) a 500 mg tablet of acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) every 8 hours for 2 consecutive days. Antipyretic action (assessed at 6 hours following the first administration) was found to be equally rapid and consistent in both cases but significantly longer-lasting in the Novapirina-treated group than the Aspirin-treated group (p < 0·01). Mean temperature changes over the 48 hours of observation and the over-all judgement on the antipyretic effect expressed at the end of each day of treatment were similar for both groups and good in all cases. The antiphlogistic-painkilling properties of both drugs were found to be effective in improving the symptomatology accompanying the high temperature during the course of the bout of influenza. The effectiveness/tolerability ratio was found to be satisfactory for both groups: only one case of gastric intolerance to Novapirina was recorded and five cases of gastric intolerance to Aspirin.