Efficacy and tolerability of nimesulide in elderly patients with osteoarthritis: double-blind trial versus naproxen

Abstract

A double-blind trial was carried out to assess the therapeutic efficacy and tolerability of nimesulide versus naproxen in the treatment of elderly patients with osteoarthritis. A total of 40 elderly female patients with osteoarthritis of the hip and/or knee were entered into the study and treated with either 200 mg/day nimesulide or 500 mg/day naproxen for 28 days. Both treatments were very effective in alleviating spontaneous pain, pain on movement, morning stiffness and joint mobility. Nimesulide was better tolerated than naproxen with fewer and less serious side-effects being reported. The results of this study show nimesulide to be effective and well tolerated in the treatment of elderly patients with osteoarthritis.