Adverse effects of isoxicam in relation to age

The frequencies of adverse reactions in patients younger than 65 years and 65 and older were compared for dosages of isoxicam ranging from 200 to 600 mg per day. Data were collected from the records of 2,184 patients younger than 65 years and 1,059 patients 65 years or older from controlled and open studies of patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or musculoskeletal disorders. For both age groups, the most common adverse reactions were gastrointestinal. For other adverse reactions, the frequencies were notably lower than for gastrointestinal reactions. For virtually all adverse reactions, the frequencies were similar for the two age groups. Among patients who received only the recommended dosage of 200 mg per day, the frequencies of all reactions were lower than among the entire population and were similar between the two age groups. On the basis of this study, it appears that isoxicam is equally well tolerated in patients who are younger than 65 and those 65 and older.