Benoxaprofen--dose-range studies using quantitative thermography.

Fifty-four hospitalized patients with rheumatoid arthritis participated in a dose-range study comparing benoxaprofen with placebo and in a further study comparing benoxaprofen with indomethacin. Assessments were made after a "washout period" weekly for 3 wk. There was clinical improvement with time in both the placebo and active drug groups which was attributable to bed rest and hospitalization. Assessments of pain, function, and analgesic consumption showed that benoxaprofen had analgesic activity at all dose levels. Computerized thermography showed that, at a dosage of 600 mg daily, benoxaprofen had a significant antiinflammatory effect; this observation was confirmed by the comparison with indomethacin. No side effects were noted in patients taking benoxaprofen.