A comparative clinical study of a new antirheumatic agent, tolfenamic acid (Clotam), and phenylbutazone in rheumatoid arthritis.

A double-blind crossover study was carried out in 33 patients with rheumatoid arthritis using a new anthranilic acid derivative, tolfenamic acid, and phenylbutazone. Each drug was given in doses of 100 mg 3 times daily. Both periods of treatment lasted 3 weeks. Objective and clinical studies of the antirheumatic effect showed no significant difference between the two forms of treatment. On phenylbutazone treatment, however, there were significantly greater numbers of, and more serious, side-effects (especially dyspeptic symptoms and fluid retention) than on tolfenamic acid treatment.