A short-term comparative trial of salsalate and indomethacin in rheumatoid arthritis.

A short-term, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study was completed in 15 patients with classical or definite rheumatoid arthritis to compare the antirheumatic activity of salsalate (3 g/day) with placebo and indomethacin (75 mg/day). Subjective and objective assessments showed that both salsalate and indomethacin were significantly superior to placebo. Grip strength was not improved by either of the drugs. Patient preference was in favour of indomethacin, but the difference between it and salsalate was insignificant.