The gastroduodenal tolerance of Tenoxicam and Diclofenac Na has been evaluated in a double-blind, parallel group study in 36 healthy male volunteers. The doses used were 20 mg Tenoxicam and 100 mg Diclofenac Na daily in a retard formulation for 14 days.
Gastric tolerance was assessed by endoscopy, which was performed at base-line, after the 14 day dosing period and after a 14 day follow-up period without treatment. The mucosal lesions were scored using modified Lanza criteria.
Tenoxicam was significantly better tolerated at the end of the 14 day dosing period (mean gastric score: Tenoxicam 1.3; Diclofenac Na 2.2). The two treatment groups had comparable scores at the base-line and post study assessments.
Tenoxicam and Diclofenac Na were generally well tolerated. Only two volunteers reported intermittant lack of appetite, heartburn and a feeling of pressure in the stomach.
Key words Tenoxicam - Diclofenac Na - NSAID - gastroduodenal damage - side-effects