Naproxen-associated gastroduodenal toxicity: enteric coated granules versus plain tablets

Two naproxen formulations were compared with regard to gastroduodenal endoscopic findings. Using a dose of 500 mg bid for one week, plain tablets were compared to enteric coated granules in a gelatine capsule in a randomized, cross over, double-blind, double dummy study in 16 healthy, male volunteers. Endoscopic evaluation revealed no difference between the two formulations. Since previous studies with enteric coated naproxen tablets indicated a favourable side effect profile compared to plain tablets, the present data indicates that enteric coated formulations are not all alike, and should be studied individually.