To evaluate the therapeutic action and safety of lornoxicam, a new non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, in 2 oral daily dose regimens of 8 and 16 mg in comparison with oral diclofenac 150 mg/day in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Double blind double-dummy cross-over, controlled trial. The two treatments were given for ten-day periods, separated by a three-day wash-out interval. Patients of both sexes with classical or definite rheumatoid arthritis according to the A.R.A. criteria were enrolled in the study.
Fourteen patients (12F, 2M) were admitted, mean age 61.6 years +/- 6.7 (+/-SD), duration of illness 12.7 years +/- 11.9. Lornoxicam 8 and 16 mg/day showed a good therapeutic activity, comparable with diclofenac 150 mg/day. Two patients complained adverse events with diclofenac.
Lornoxicam 16 mg/day was associated with a more sharp action and a better tolerability than diclofenac in rheumatoid arthritis. The twice a day dosage of lornoxicam revealed to be appropriate.