Twice-daily dosing of enteric-coated aspirin in patients with rheumatic diseases

To determine the feasibility of twice daily dosing of enteric-coated aspirin (EntrophenR), a preliminary trial on 10 patients with rheumatic diseases was conducted. Three plasma salicylate levels on 2 separate occasions, 1 day apart, were determined. In 9 of the 10 patients studied at steady-state, therapeutic levels were attained (15-30 mg/dl). There were no gastrointestinal side-effects. One case developed tinnitus which resolved with a small reduction in dosage. On the basis of this short-term study, twice-daily EC-ASA appears to be effective in maintaining adequate plasma salicylate levels, and it seems to compare favourably to ASA given in multiple daily doses. On a long-term basis, it may improve patient compliance.