Tenoxicam in the treatment of osteoarthrosis

The efficacy and tolerability of tenoxicam, given as a 20 mg tablet once daily for 24 months, were studied in two groups of patients. Group I (N = 29) with gonarthrosis and coxarthrosis, and Group II (N = 30) with lumbarthrosis. Parameters of pain were measured at each monthly and subsequent two-monthly consultations. In Group I, there was improvement in all parameters, especially nocturnal and end-of-day pain, and after 24 months pain had diminished in 82% of patients. Group II also showed improvement in all parameters, especially nocturnal pain and pain on waking, and although no patient's symptoms completely disappeared, 90% showed a clinical effect. Few side effects were observed; seven patients discontinued therapy for reasons unconnected with tenoxicam. Tenoxicam is well-suited to the long-term treatment of these degenerative diseases. The dose was sufficient to produce a beneficial effect in most cases, and even higher doses did not produce side effects.