NIMESULlDE: another non-steroidal anti­inflammatory drug

10 patients with definite or classical rheumatoid arthritis of mean duration 5.9 years, were treated for a period of 14 days with nimesulide (200mg bid), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug [R805; Riker]. The drug produced the following statistically significant effects: reduction of Ritchie's articular index and Lee's functional index improvement of grip strength; improvement of all pain parameters except pain on active movement; and reduction of the duration of morning stiffness. Nine patients assessed their overall improvement as marked or moderate, and investigators made similar assessments of 8 patients. Only 2 adverse effects were reported: hyperexcitability and mild erythema in 1 patient each. 'The results of this study with nimesulide in RA encourage further investigation on the therapeutic potential of this drug.' Reiner, M. and Magni, E.: Current Therapeutic Research 31: 906 (Jun 1982)

6 INPHARMA 24 Jul1982 0156-2703/82/0703-0003/0$01.00/0 © ADIS Press