Pharmacokinetics and tolerance of slow-release indomethacin tablets in rheumatoid arthritis

The pharmacokinetics, efficacy and tolerance of a new formulation of slow-release indomethacin tablet were compared with those of a conventional indomethacin capsule in 30 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The slow-release tablet was absorbed more slowly than the capsule (tmax 3.7 h and less than 2 h, respectively) and produced more even serum drug levels in 10 subjects. Side-effects, especially dizziness and diarrhoea, were less frequent after the slow-release tablet than during the capsule period.