Diclofenac sodium (Voltarol) and indomethacin: a multicentre comparative study in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
A five-centre double-blind crossover trial of two two-week periods using diclofenac and indomethacin showed that both drug groups (51 patients) with rheumatoid arthritis responded similarly in relation to pain scores and morning stiffness. It was noted that the response was better in inpatients than in outpatients, despite differences in disease severity. In the osteoarthritis trial (58 patients) it was shown that neither drug significantly reduced resting pain, although both drugs were significantly better in reducing pain on movement; however, patient preference was for diclofenac. Three patients treated with indomethacin withdrew owing to side-effects, compared with one on diclofenac. A slight but significant decrease in haemoglobin levels was observed in both treatment groups with osteoarthritis, but this did not appear to be symptom-related.
D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004008:Diclofenac / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007213:Indomethacin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007677:Kidney Function Tests; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010648:Phenylacetates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013997:Time Factors
D006454:Hemoglobins; D010648:Phenylacetates; D004008:Diclofenac; D007213:Indomethacin