A double-blind, crossover trial of mefenamic acid, sulindac and flurbiprofen in rheumatoid arthritis.

A double-blind crossover trial was carried out in 24 patients to compare the effects of mefenamic acid, flurbiprofen, sulindac and placebo. Each drug was given for 2 weeks, the treatment sequence being randomized. Daily doses were 1500 mg mefenamic acid, 150 mg flurbiprofen or 150 mg sulindac. All of the active drugs were significantly superior to placebo in terms of pain score, patients' assessment, articular index of joint tenderness, and duration and severity of morning stiffness. There was improvement in grip strength compared with placebo, but the differences were not statistically significant with sulindac. There was slight reduction in joint circumference but this was only statistically significant in the right hand with flurbiprofen and sulindac. No significant differences were found in technetium uptake in knee joints. The three drugs appeared to be equally effective and tolerated, and no significant differences were noted.