Meclofenamate sodium in the treatment of degenerative joint disease of the hand (Heberden nodes).

41 patients with radiographically verified degenerative joint disease of the hand who had at least one acutely inflamed Heberden node entered into the study. 22 patients were treated with 300 mg N-(2,6-dichloro-m-tolyl)anthranilic acid, sodium salt (meclofenamate sodium, Meclomen) per day for 4 weeks and 19 patients received placebo. Measures of efficacy were: the number of painful joints on both hands, an index of pain, the number of inflamed Heberden nodes and the grip strength (mmHg). Disease activity was similar in both groups at the beginning of the study. Analyses after one week of treatment and at the last observation at the conclusion of the study revealed significant differences in favor of meclofenamate sodium. This indicates that meclofenamate sodium treatment of degenerative joint disease of the hands is significantly superior to placebo. The reduction of the number of inflamed Heberden nodes demonstrates the anti-inflammatory effect of meclofenamate sodium, while the reduction of painful joints and the decreased pain index is evidence of the analgesic effect of this drug. The increase in grip strength indicates an improvement of function. The results further demonstrate the early onset of treatment effect with meclofenamate sodium. Meclofenamate sodium was well tolerated.