Frentizole therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus

Seven corticosteroid dependent patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were given frentizole in order to assess its effect on their clinical manifestations. Three patients exhibited slight clinical improvement, 2 patients did not change, and 2 deteriorated. Five of the 7 patients developed subclinical and reversible liver damage related to frentizole. This study, although preliminary and uncontrolled, suggests that frentizole is of limited value in the management of patients with SLE.