Multi-centered clinical evaluation of oxepinac against peripheral arthropathy particularly osteoarthritis.

Clinical evaluation in phase II of 6,11-dihydro-11-oxodibenz[b,e]oxepin-3-acetic acid (oxepinac) has been made in a single-blind trial in the treatment of osteoarthritis, 135 patients with mainly gonitis. Male 31, female 104, and the age distribution are 37--82 years and 62 years in average. Three groups of the doses, 75 mg, 150 mg, 300 mg daily, respectively, were administered for two weeks. Parameters studied included subjective relief of pain, range of joint motion, "patients preference" and biochemical studies. Oxepinac resulted in definite relief of pain compared with preceding medication and was tolerated well without serious side effect. The dose 150 mg was estimated most favourable. It is concluded that oxepinac offers an effective and well-tolerated alternative to drugs at present being used in the treatment of painful osteoarthritis.