Comparison of timegadine and naproxen in rheumatoid arthritis. A placebo controlled trial.

A double blind, cross-over design was used to compare the acute effects of timegadine, naproxen and placebo in rheumatoid arthritis. Timegadine appeared to be more effective than naproxen in those variables related to disease activity although there were no statistically significant differences (apart from morning stiffness) where variables were examined individually. There was a tendency to a rise in alkaline phosphatase, and possibly gamma glutamyl transpeptidase, during the 2-week timegadine treatment period. No other biochemical or haematological abnormality was observed.