[Change in the plasma and urine levels of ionized fluorine under the influence of low doses of niflumic acid. Possible application to the treatment of osteoporosis]

Abstract

Following several series of tests, it was shown that the administration of 500 mg/day of niflumic acid, at a dose of 250 mg morning and evening, causes in subjects with a weight between 65 and 75 kilos a moderate but permanent and relatively stable rise in the levels of plasma ionised fluorine. This constant concentration of ionised fluorine in the plasma contrasted with the marked and rapid variations which follow the ingestion of sodium fluoride, which is usually prescribed in the treatment of osteoporosis. This may explain why the fluoride ion is more active on osteogenesis when it is liberated in the organism from niflumic acid by way of metabolic processes. The dosage of 500 mg daily is much less than that which produces fluorosis after prolonged treatment; it suggests a trial of niflumic acid in the treatment of osteoporosis, respecting naturally the contra-indications, and supervising the digestive tract as always with anti-inflammatory drugs.