Meclofenamate sodium in the treatment of post-traumatic edema. Report of a controlled double-blind study.

130 patients with edema as the sequel of a traumatic incident were selected for this study, 43 patients were treated with 300 mg N-(2,6-dichloro-m-tolyl)anthranilic acid, sodium salt (meclofenamate sodium, Meclomen) per day for one week, 44 patients received 600 mg oxyphenbutazone per day and 43 patients received placebo. Medication could be terminated if edema and pain disappeared or if deterioration or intolerance occurred. Extent of edema and degree of pain were assessed at entry into the study and on days 3, 5 and 8. Efficacy was assessed by the number of days elapsed before definite reduction and/or complete disappearance of edema and by the decrease and disappearance of pain. Meclofenamate sodium proved to be significantly superior to placebo in the treatment of patients with post-traumatic edema and post-traumatic pain. Reduction and disappearance of edema and cessation of pain occurred significantly more promptly in patients receiving meclofenamate sodium than in those receiving placebo. Although no statistically significant differences were observed between meclofenamate sodium and oxyphenbutazone, the results suggested that meclofenamate sodium might be clinically superior. Meclofenamate sodium was well tolerated.