Double-blind comparative trial of indoprofen and acetylsalicylic acid in osteoarthritis.

The effectiveness, safety and acceptability of indoprofen (IP) and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) were assessed in patients with osteoarthritis, in a double-blind comparative trial. Each patient received IP 600 mg/day or ASA 2100 mg/day for a four-week period; after a one-week wash-out period, the same drug was given at a higher dosage (IP 800 or ASA 2800 mg/day) for another four weeks. Seventeen patients on indoprofen and 14 on SAS completed the trial. A significant improvement was obtained with indoprofen in the different parameters measuring pain, from the first treatment period; results were similar at the end of the second period. Results with ASA, at both dosages, appeared less impressive. Two patients on indoprofen and five on ASA complained of side effects.