Controlled-release indomethacin and sustained-release diclofenac sodium in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: A comparative controlled clinical trial

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Abstract
SummaryThe efficacy and tolerability of a new, controlled-release indomethacin (7.5 mg) tablet was compared to that of a sustained-release diclofenac sodium (100 mg) tablet in 84 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The study was designed as a double-blind, double-dummy crossover trial, patients being allocated at random to receive 1 active tablet and 1 placebo tablet of the alternative medication at night for 4 weeks before being crossed over to the alternative treatment for a further 4 weeks. Patient and clinical assessments on entry and at the end of each treatment period showed that pain scores for day and night, duration of morning stiffness, requirement for escape analgesia (paracetamol) and treatment preference were similar for both treatments. Both preparations also significantly improved the degree of joint tenderness compared to baseline (p<0.001), as measured by a modified Ritchie Articular Index. Incidence and severity of side-effects were comparable, with a significant improvement in degree of...