title: Diclofenac in rheumatoid disease.
abstract: The clinical activity and side effects of a new phenyl acetic-acid derivative, diclofenac, have been assessed in 24 patients with rheumatoid disease. Diclofenac 25 mg q.i.d. was compared with 750mg of aspirin BP q.i.d. using a double-blind crossover technique involving four weeks on each drug. Benefits were similar for the two preparations but with improvement in morning stiffness and incidence of dyspepsia favouring diclofenac, and a more marked reduction of the sedimentation rate occurring with aspirin. A moderate elevation of liver enzymes was seen in one patient on diclofenac, and of lactate dehydrogenase in one other. It is concluded that diclofenac is a therapeutically active analgesic anti-inflammatory agent.
mesh_terms: D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001241:Aspirin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004008:Diclofenac / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology; D010648:Phenylacetates / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D010648:Phenylacetates; D004008:Diclofenac; D001241:Aspirin