Comparison of therapeutic efficacy of nimesulide and diclofenac in patients with degenerative joint diseases.

The efficacy and tolerability profiles of nimesulide and diclofenac were evaluated in 180 patients suffering from various degenerative joint diseases. The clinical evaluations were performed at 0, 2 and 4 weeks. Nimesulide (100 mg) tablets were administered twice daily and diclofenac (50 mg) tablets were administered thrice daily. The principal efficacy parameters were the improvement in pain assessed through verbal scoring. Evaluation of tolerance was also established through similar method. Final judgment on efficacy was made by the physician. In all evaluations nimesulide showed improved efficacy parameters over diclofenac.