Indian Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology

Page: 105-109

Introduction: Diacerein and oxaceprol are frequently used for the treatment of Grade-I & II osteoarthritis of knees. Diacerein acts by blocking the action of interleukin-1 whereas oxaceprol prevents leukocyte infiltration in the synovial joints. Both the drugs are effective. But there are few comparative studies regarding safety and efficacy of these two drugs. Hence we planned this study.
Materials and Methods: An open label randomized comparative study was conducted by the departments of Pharmacology and Orthopedics at Dr RPGMC, Tanda, H.P, after taking permission from the IEC. Patients were diagnosed clinically as per American College of Rheumatology (ACR) guidelines and graded radiologically as Grade I & II osteoarthritis of the knee joint based on Kellgren and Lawrence classification. Then considering exclusion criteria, patients were enrolled after taking written informed consent. 31 and 29 patients were enrolled in diacerein and oxaceprol groups respectively. Tab diacerein 50 mg and oxaceprol 200 mg were prescribed twice daily for three months in respective groups. One patient dropped out in each group, who opted for operative intervention after a few days of enrolment. Efficacy was assessed clinically by WOMAC scale during their follow up at three months. Safety was evaluated clinically considering adverse effects and by complete haemogram & blood biochemistry.
Results: In diacerein-group, WOMAC score (mean ± S.D.) improved from 48.77± 18.17 to 29.40 ± 19.94 (p-value = 0.00001) and in oxaceprol group from 42.59 ± 19.49 to 26.58 ± 16.83 (p-value = 0.00001). No adverse effect was reported in any group.
Conclusion: Both medicines are almost similar in safety and efficacy.

Key words: Diacerein, Oxaceprol, Osteoarthritis of knee.