Tiaprofenic acid. A review of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic efficacy in rheumatic diseases and pain states.

Tiaprofenic acid is a new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent advocated for use in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, musculoskeletal disorders, soft-tissue injuries and inflammatory conditions and acute pain of varying origin. Published data suggest that tiaprofenic acid 600 mg daily in 2 or 3 divided doses is comparable in effectiveness with aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, indomethacin, naproxen, piroxicam and sulindac in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. More controlled clinical trials are necessary to evaluate its potential in rheumatic conditions other than rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. In controlled studies in patients with acute pain following surgery or trauma, tiaprofenic acid was more effective than placebo and as effective as aspirin and indomethacin. While tiaprofenic acid produced fewer side effects than aspirin in rheumatoid arthritis treatment, and indomethacin in the treatment of osteoarthritis, results have generally shown the short term tolerability of tiaprofenic acid to be similar to that of other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. As no one of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents is the most suitable drug for all patients requiring such therapy, tiaprofenic acid should be considered along with other drugs of this type in the therapy of arthritic conditions and of acute postoperative or posttraumatic pain.