Comparison of diflunisal and piroxicam in the management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

The efficacy and tolerability of diflunisal (500 mg orally, twice daily) and piroxicam (20 mg orally, once daily) were compared in a 12-week open-label study in 44 patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. Both medications were equally effective and generally well tolerated. No significant differences were found between drug groups. Both groups showed statistically significant improvement in the overall number of swollen and tender joints, painful joint count, and the patients' assessment of pain and disease severity. Two (9%) of 23 patients in the diflunisal group and one (5%) of 21 patients in the piroxicam group reported adverse effects. Only one patient withdrew from the study because of side effects (lightheadedness during use of diflunisal). It is concluded that both diflunisal and piroxicam are highly effective and generally well tolerated in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.