A double-blind evaluation of oral indoprofen versus ASA in osteoarthritic patients: influence on haemostatic parameters and clinical effects

Indoprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, was investigated in a double-blind, randomized study in 44 osteoarthritic patients for its influence on haemostatic parameters and therapeutic effects. Twenty-two patients received indoprofen orally, 600 mg daily, and a similar group took acetylsalicylic acid 3 g daily for 21 days. Platelet count, partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time showed no variations. Bleeding time wa prolonged and platelet aggregation reduced by both drugs. The effects of ASA, however, were significantly greater. Indoprofen, unlike ASA, showed almost no residual effect seven days after stopping medication. The therapeutic responses to indoprofen and ASA were comparable. However, adverse reactions (pyrosis and gastric pain) were much more frequent in the ASA group (15 patients) than in the indoprofen group (2 patients).