Effect of Tolfenamic Acid in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Tolfenamic acid (N-(2-methyl-3-chlorophenyl)-anthranilic acid) was administered in two different dosages (3 × 100 mg and 3 × 200 mg) to 33 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and compared with acetosalicyl (3 × 1 000 mg) and placebo in a double-blind trial. In relation to the control period tolfenamic acid 3 × 200 mg was found to have a good and statistically significant effect on pain and joint tenderness, whereas the effect on the duration of morning stiffness, joint swelling and grip strength was not statistically significant The side-effects were insignificant. Tolfenamic acid appears to be a useful addition to the range of drugs suitable for the symptomatic treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.