Meclofenamate sodium in the treatment of acute gout. Results of a double-blind study

Abstract

20 patients with an attack of acute gout participated in this double-blind study, ten patients received N-(2,6-dichloro-m-tolyl)anthranilic acid, sodium salt (meclofenamate sodium, Meclomen) and ten indometacin. The median time interval between onset of attack and onset of treatment was 11 h in the meclofenamate sodium group and 14 h in the indometacin group; medication was started with a dose of 200 mg meclofenamate sodium or 25 mg indometacin followed by 100 mg meclofenamate sodium or 25 mg indometacin every 4 h for the first 24 h. Thereafter patients received 100 mg meclofenamate sodium or 50 mg indometacin at 8-h intervals for 6 days. Similar improvement of intensity of spontaneous pain, swelling, tenderness of touch and degree of limitation of function was noted in patients of both treatment groups. This improvement could already be noted after 24 h of treatment and was sustained throughout the medication period and follow-up period. Adverse reactions were reported by 2 patients in the meclofenamate sodium group and by 5 patients in the indometacin group. The results of this double-blind study indicate that meclofenamate sodium in the dose administered was equally effective in relieving pain and inflammation and restoring restricted function in patients with acute gout as indometacin when used in the generally recommended dose for this indication. Meclofenamate sodium, even at these high dosage levels, was better tolerated than indometacin.