Comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of parenteral and oral forms of diclofenac sodium and meloxicam in patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee joints

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug are considered at the cornerstone therapy for osteoarthritis (OA) because their main function is to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. The aim of study was compare efficacy treatment patients with symptomatic knee (KOA) using diclofenac sodium meloxicam. Materials methods. included 40 females aged 50–75 years KOA, were divided into 2 groups: group I — 20 subjects receiving sodium; II intensity syndrome functional assessed WOMAC scale, four-component VAS, Lequesne index, tests each visit. safety medication determined by frequency adverse events. Results. Patients two groups did not differ age initial level pain. During treatment, in both showed a reduction VAS on 5 days (p<0.01) without significant difference between groups, however 3 significantly lower compared (p = 0.003 p 0.03, respectively). In revealed pain, stiffness physical subscales but after (t 2.8, < 0.004) II. Conclusions. OA meloxicam effective, case analgesic effect faster, already detected subscale.