Micro-encapsulated aspirin (Levius) compared with aloxiprin (Palaprin Forte) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

A randomized crossover trial of micro-encapsulated aspirin (Levius) and aloxiprin (Palaprin Forte) was carried out on thirty-three hospital outpatients with rheumatoid arthritis. Both preparations improved the clincial status of the patients. The difference in response to the two preparations was not significant, except for effect on functional status where the micro-encapsulated aspirin was found to be significantly better at the 5% level. Apart from six complaints of constipation with aloxiprin compared with only one with Levius, the side-effects were similar. The trial has shown that Levius can be conveniently given in divided doses thrice daily without loss of efficacy.