A comparative trial of benoxaprofen and naproxen

A double-blind within-patient trial in rheumatoid arthritis comparing the new anti-inflammatory drug benoxaprofen with naproxen is reported. Patients received naproxen 250 mg b.d. for two weeks and benoxaprofen 200 mg b.d. for three weeks. Both drugs demonstrated efficacy. There was no statistically significant difference between them, except for grip strength which favoured naproxen. Side-effects were mild, infrequent and similar for both drugs. Evidence is presented which confirms the long duration of action of benoxaprofen, a fact which may be of clinical significance.