Current medical management of duodenal ulcer disease.
Each of three agents used in the treatment of duodenal ulcer--magnesium--aluminum antacids in high doses, cimetidine and carbenoxolone sodium--appears to enhance the rate at which ulcers heal, although their ability to control symptoms has been less clearly demonstrated. Since a large proportion of ulcers heal either without treatment or when the patient is given a placebo, a rational management plan should emphasize the removal of known irritants and the provision of symptomatic relief while spontaneous healing is allowed to occur. Lack of response to such a regimen warrants more specific investigation and therapy. On the basis of current evidence, cimetidine appears to be the preferred therapeutic agent.
D000863:Antacids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002229:Carbenoxolone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002927:Cimetidine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004381:Duodenal Ulcer / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006146:Guanidines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D014315:Triterpenes / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000863:Antacids; D006146:Guanidines; D014315:Triterpenes; D002927:Cimetidine; D002229:Carbenoxolone