Gastrointestinal tolerability of lornoxicam compared to that of naproxen in healthy male volunteers

Background and Aim: Gastrointestinal effects are common adverse effects associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Lornoxicam is a new nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and its gastroduodenal tolerability was compared to that of naproxen in a randomized, double-blind, crossover study. Methods: Eighteen healthy male volunteers received lornoxicam 8 mg b.d. or naproxen 500 mg b.d. administered orally over two 7-day dosing periods. Upper endoscopy was performed by two independent investigators at the beginning and end of each dosing regimen. Results: Lornoxicam 8 mg b.d. caused significantly less mucosal injury than naproxen 500 mg b.d. in the stomach/duodenal bulb, as well as in the mid/distal duodenum. Conclusion: These findings may have favourable implications for lornoxicam in the clinical setting, if this dose provides optimal control of arthritic pain.