Controlled release indomethacin (Indotard). Clinical trial in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

In a double-blind, crossover multicentre trial the effect on morning stiffness and occurrence of side effects of a controlled-release indomethacin preparation, Indotard, was compared with a conventional preparation, Indocid. 30 Patients between 38 and 74 years of age--six from each centre--underwent the investigation: A 4-day escalating period and 2 X 7 days' treatment. In the average figures, no difference in effect or side effects could be seen between Indotard 50 mg given twice and Indocid 25 mg given four times daily. There was, however, a marked preference among the younger (less than 62 years) for the controlled-release formulation and a preference among the older for the conventional preparation.