Long-term management of rheumatoid arthritis with disalcid.

Disalcid, a salicylic acid pro-drug, was administered for 3 months to eighteen rheumatoid arthritis patients, with monitoring of clinical response, side-effects and laboratory changes. The drug produced a satisfactory to excellent response in fourteen patients and was unsatisfactory in four. Gastric side-effects occurred in three patients and allergic reaction in one. Serum salicylic acid concentrations were adequately maintained between 15 to 25 mg/100 ml. Funduscopic monitoring revealed one retinal defect in a patient with hypertension. Laboratory examinations, blood chemistry and urine analyses remained within normal limits during the 12-week trial.