r

rand d

ISOXEPAC IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Effective as aspirin, but better tolerated Isoxepac (Hp 549; P 720,549; Hoechst) is a non-steroidal anti­inflammatory with a low ulcerogenic potency (I / 10 that of indomethacin) relative to anti-inflammatory activity. 19 patients with rheumatoid arthritis entered a crossover trial comparing isoxepac 200mg tid and aspirin 1200mg tid for 4 weeks each. In efficacy (joint pain, grip strength, morning stiffness, global assessment and patient preference) there were no significant differences between drugs. However, adverse effects occurred in I I patients on aspirin only, in I patient on isoxepac only and in 4 patients on both drugs. There was a total of 30 adverse reactions on aspirin - 15 gastrointestinal, 13 CNS (I 8 moderate-severe) - and I I reactions on isoxepac-3 gastrointestinal, 4 CNS (4 moderate-severe). Three patients on aspirin had occult blood in faecal specimens. Gerlis. L.S. and Gumpel. 1.M.: Rheumatology and Rehabilitation 20: 50, (Feb 19811

0156-2703/81/0328-0007 $00.50/0 ©ADIS Press INPHARMA 28 Mar 1981 7