title: Controlled trial of D-penicillamine in rheumatoid arthritis. Dose effect and the role of zinc.
abstract: The findings are reported of a controlled clinical trial comparing in 66 rheumatoid arthritis patients 0 g (placebo), and 0.50 g a day and 1 g a day of penicillamine. Each of these groups has been subdivided into two, one part receiving 5 mg a day of zinc metal supplement, the other a placebo. The trial was planned to be double-blind, and for each patient to take part for 4 months. The results prove the effectiveness of penicillamine in rheumatoid arthritis. 0.50 g a day has the same effect as 1 g a day but gives less side effects. Zinc supplement inhibits the clinical effects of penicillamine but does not prevent the side effects.
mesh_terms: D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010396:Penicillamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010919:Placebos; D015032:Zinc / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D010919:Placebos; D010396:Penicillamine; D015032:Zinc