[Diflunisal compared with naproxen in chronic polyarthritis. Double-blind study].

Diflunisal, a new analgesic/anti-inflammatory monosubstance, has been compared with naproxen in a double-blind study in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In doses of 1 g diflunisal daily and 750 mg naproxen daily both therapies resulted in significant improvements in subjective and objective parameters measured - day and night pain, morning stiffness, Ritchie index, grip strength, and doctor and patient assessment of overall effect. Side effects were uncommon and of little significance in the diflunisal-treated patients, whereas two patients in the naproxen group were dropped from the study because of clinically significant drug-related side effects. It is concluded that diflunisal should be a very useful addition to the therapies currently available.