To evaluate efficacy and safety of nimesil, a selective inhibitor of cyclooxigenase-2, in gouty arthritis (GA).
Nimesil was given to 20 male patients with GA (mean age 53.8 years, mean duration of the disease 8.1 years) in a dose 100 mg twice a day for 14 or 21 days depending on positive clinical changes (13 and 6 patients, respectively). The articular swelling index, supraarticular skin hyperemia, the articular index, pain in rest and movement were estimated on the treatment day 1, 5, 14 and 21. Arterial pressure was controlled in all the patients. ESR, uric acid, seromucoid, ALT, AST, gamma-GTP, glucose levels were measured before and after the treatment.
Nimesil relieved pain and inflammation (ESR and seromucoid level lowered significantly). Effects on the other estimates were not registered. One patient developed generalized urticaria on the treatment day 5. The drug was discontinued in him.
Nimesil can be used as monotherapy of an acute attack of gout. In a dose 200 mg/day nimesil provides an effective and fast treatment of gout, is well tolerated and safe.