[Indomethacin kinetics in synovia and plasma following administration of indomethacin Gits 7/85 in patients with chronic polyarthritis].

Patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis received a single dose of the new therapeutic system of indomethacin (Gits 7/85). Samples of plasma and synovial fluid were taken after 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 24 h. Concentration peaks could not be observed. After 2-3 h plasma levels were achieved which remained constant over the investigational period. Indomethacin concentrations in synovial fluid were seen with some delay. All synovial fluid levels after single application were lower than the plasma concentrations. The kinetics of elimination showed no difference between the two compartments. The above findings confirm the expectations regarding the new therapeutic system of indomethacin (Gits 7/85), i.e., the maintenance of a nearly constant plasma and synovia level for at least 10 h. The avoidance of peaks is seen as an additional advantage.