Naproxen in ankylosing spondylitis.

Naproxen in a daily dose of 500 mg has been prescribed for 23 men with radiographically confirmed ankylosing spondylitis in whom symptoms started before the age of 30. Twenty-three have completed one month and 14 have completed 3 months of treatment. One patient deteriorated but the other 22 found naproxen equal or superior to previous therapy. At three months statistically significant improvement was recorded in pain on movement, spinal flexion and morning stiffness. Highly significant improvement occurred in immobility stiffness. The patients themselves were impressed by the relief afforded by naproxen which appears to be a useful drug in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis.