Butacote: the first assessment in general practice.

A double-blind crossover trial in the treatment of rheumatic conditions in general practice compared the effect and tolerance of 100 mg t.d.s. standard phenylbutazone (Butazolidine) with enteric-coated phenylbutazone (Butacote), each preparation being given for one week to fifty patients. There was no difference in effectiveness. Nine patients complained of dyspeptic symptoms, three during the first week, six during the second week, but none during treatment with Butacote. This, together with the significant 17:7 patient preference, clearly demonstrated the superiority of Butacote.