Indoprofen versus indomethacin and placebo. A double-blind three-way cross-over trial in rheumatoid arthritis

Thirty in-patients suffering from classical or definite R.A. were given indoprofen 200 mg q.i.d., indomethacin 25 mg q.i.d. and placebo, according to a 6-line completely balanced block design. Each patient received the three treatments for ten days each. Patients were examined at baseline and after each treatment cycle. Both active drugs were significantly better than placebo on relief of pain, Ritchie index, and number of active, painful and swollen joints, morning stiffness; only indoprofen significantly improved grip strength. No significant differences were found between the two active drugs. The three treatments were well tolerated.