Treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome with Super Malic: a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, crossover pilot study

J Rheumatol. 1995 May;22(5):953-8.

Abstract

Objective: To study the efficacy and safety of Super Malic, a proprietary tablet containing malic acid (200 mg) and magnesium (50 mg), in treatment of primary fibromyalgia syndrome (FM).

Methods: Twenty-four sequential patients with primary FM were randomized to a fixed dose (3 tablets bid), placebo controlled, 4-week/course, pilot trial followed by a 6-month, open label, dose escalation (up to 6 tablets bid) trial. A 2-week, medication free, washout period was required before receiving treatment, between blinded courses, and again before starting open label treatment. The 3 primary outcome variables were measures of pain and tenderness but functional and psychological measures were also assessed.

Results: No clear treatment effect attributable to Super Malic was seen in the blinded, fixed low dose trial. With dose escalation and a longer duration of treatment in the open label trial, significant reductions in the severity of all 3 primary pain/tenderness measures were obtained without limiting risks.

Conclusions: These data suggest that Super Malic is safe and may be beneficial in the treatment of patients with FM. Future placebo-controlled studies should utilize up to 6 tablets of Super Malic bid and continue therapy for at least 2 months.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Drug Combinations
  • Female
  • Fibromyalgia / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Magnesium Hydroxide / therapeutic use*
  • Malates / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pilot Projects
  • Placebos

Substances

  • Drug Combinations
  • Malates
  • Placebos
  • Super Malic
  • malic acid
  • Magnesium Hydroxide