Combination therapy with methotrexate and chloroquine in rheumatoid arthritis. A multicenter randomized placebo-controlled trial

Scand J Rheumatol. 1994;23(5):231-6. doi: 10.3109/03009749409103721.

Abstract

To compare the efficacy of the combination therapy Methotrexate (MTX) and Chloroquine (CHLO) with MTX and Placebo (PLA) in the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. A total of 82 patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), diagnosed according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria, received orally either MTX 7.5 mg/week and CHLO 250 mg/day or MTX 7.5 mg/week and PLA 1 tablet/day. Adverse effects (AE) were monitored monthly and disease activity was assessed at 0, 2, 4 and 6 months. Sixty-eight patients completed the study. All outcome measures improved significantly in both treatment groups. Patients receiving MTX/CHLO ended the study with a significantly lower joint count, greater grip strength and better functional ability the patients in the MTX/PLA group, respectively; 4.5 vs 7.5 (P < 0.05), 113.3 vs 89.1 (P < 0.05) and 0.636 vs 0.811 (P < 0.05). Mild AE were more frequently observed in the MTX/CHLO, 17 events in 15 patients, compared to 9 events in 8 patients in the MTX/PLA group (NS). These data indicate that MTX/CHLO is slightly more efficacious and toxic than is MTX/PLA in the treatment of RA.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy*
  • Chloroquine / administration & dosage
  • Chloroquine / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methotrexate / administration & dosage
  • Methotrexate / therapeutic use*
  • Middle Aged
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Chloroquine
  • Methotrexate