Pirprofen.

Pirprofen, a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) undergoing Phase III investigation as Rengasil (Ciba-Geigy Corp.), is useful in the management of both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis and as an analgesic. In doses of 600-800 mg/d, pirprofen has been found to be as effective as, but not superior to, aspirin 3.6 g/d in relieving the more common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Pirprofen is as effective as, but not superior to, other available NSAIDs in terms of efficacy, tolerability, and incidence of adverse effects. The recommended dosage in osteoarthritis is 450-600 mg/d. As with all NSAIDs, including aspirin, the side effects most commonly seen with pirprofen are gastrointestinal in nature. Peptic ulceration and occult gastrointestinal blood loss have been reported in a small percentage of patients receiving pirprofen. Central-nervous-system-related side effects that are frequently associated with high-dose aspirin therapy appear less frequently with pirprofen. Although it does not offer distinct advantages over other NSAIDs, pirprofen offers an effective therapeutic alternative for patients who are unable to tolerate aspirin or other existing compounds.