Piroxicam vs indomethacin: a double blind multicenter comparative study in osteoarthritis. A Canadian Multicenter Study.

A 12-week, double blind study was conducted in 140 patients with osteoarthritis to compare the efficacy and toleration of piroxicam 10-20 mg once daily to indomethacin 75-125 mg in divided doses. Seventy-seven percent of piroxicam and 63% of indomethacin patients completed the study. The number of drop-outs due to side effects in the indomethacin group was twice that in the piroxicam group (p less than 0.05). The frequency of GI side effects was similar in both groups. There were more CNS side effects with indomethacin (headache), and more skin side effects with piroxicam. Piroxicam was comparable to indomethacin with respect to efficacy and offered better toleration and a simplified dosage regimen.