The effects of differing pharmaceutical preparations of indomethacin on night pain and morning stiffness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

A study was carried out in 18 patients with rheumatoid arthritis to compare the effects of two different preparations of indomethacin with placebo on night pain, sleep and duration of morning stiffness. Patients were treated for 1 night each, in random order, with identical capsules containing 75 mg indomethacin, either as 'Indomod' (all sustained-release form) or 'Indocid' R (25 mg normal, 50 mg sustained-release form), or placebo as a substitute for their usual night-time medication. The results of visual analogue scale scores and a standard sleep assessment questionnaire score indicated the same order of effectiveness for each of the three parameters, with 'Indomod' best, 'Indocid' R intermediate and placebo worst, but only the difference in sleep was statistically significant. 'Indomod', therefore, might offer a slight advantage over the same dose of indomethacin as 'Indocid' R given at night. Less side-effects were produced by active treatment than by placebo and none was severe.