title: In-vivo anti-reflux and raft properties of alginates.
abstract: The comparative efficacy of two alginate-containing anti-reflux preparations (Gaviscon, Algicon) was assessed in a single blind crossover study of 20 patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. The clinical efficacy study was preceded by two studies in healthy volunteers to assess the intragastric effects of Algicon and Gaviscon by pH measurement, endoscopic visualization and gamma scintigraphy. Algicon and Gaviscon were shown to form a raft in the fasting and fed human stomach, with Algicon alone having a potent antacid effect below and within the raft. Both Algicon and Gaviscon liquids significantly reduced the frequency and severity of reflux symptoms from baseline when given at their recommended doses (10 ml and 20 ml four times daily, respectively). There were no significant differences between Algicon and Gaviscon, although 12 patients preferred Algicon (vs 5 for Gaviscon) for control of reflux symptoms. It was concluded that both Algicon and Gaviscon were effective for the symptomatic control of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.
authors: Monash University Department of Medicine, Prince Henry's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
authors: J R
authors: JR
authors: Lambert
authors: M G
authors: MG
authors: Korman
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Nicholson
authors: J G
authors: JG
authors: Chan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000464:Alginates / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000536:Aluminum Hydroxide / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001639:Bicarbonates / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002254:Carbonates / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; D005260:Female; D005744:Gastric Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D005746:Gastric Emptying / Q000187:drug effects; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D005766:Gastrointestinal Contents / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012824:Silicic Acid / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D017693:Sodium Bicarbonate
chemical_list: D000464:Alginates; D001639:Bicarbonates; D002254:Carbonates; D004338:Drug Combinations; C060497:Algicon; D012824:Silicic Acid; D000536:Aluminum Hydroxide; C007829:alginate, aluminium hydroxide, magnesium trisilicate, sodium bicarbonate drug combination; D017693:Sodium Bicarbonate