Acute treatment of reflux oesophagitis: a multicentre trial to compare 150 mg ranitidine b.d. with 300 mg ranitidine q.d.s.
H2-receptor antagonists administered in conventional dosage regimens fail to heal a significant proportion of patients with moderate or severe reflux oesophagitis. We have compared the effects of a higher dose of ranitidine (300 mg q.d.s.) with the currently recommended dosage regimen (150 mg b.d.) in 138 patients suffering from reflux oesophagitis. After 4 weeks of treatment 29% of patients who received 150 mg ranitidine b.d., and 63% of patients who received 300 mg ranitidine q.d.s. had complete endoscopic healing of their lesions (P less than 0.0001). After 8 weeks these proportions had increased to 54% and 75%, respectively (P less than 0.01). After 4 weeks of treatment, compete symptomatic relief had been achieved in 46% of patients who received 150 mg ranitidine b.d. and in 67% of patients who received 300 mg ranitidine q.d.s. (P less than 0.05). After 8 weeks these proportions were 64% and 84%, respectively (P less than 0.05). Both dosage schedules were well-tolerated. We conclude that more rapid symptom relief and healing in reflux oesophagitis can be achieved with 300 mg ranitidine q.d.s. than with 150 mg ranitidine b.d.
Johnson
N J
NJ
Department of Gastroenterology, Glaxo Group Research Ltd, Greenford, Middlesex, UK.
Boyd
E J
EJ
Mills
J G
JG
Wood
J R
JR
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004942:Esophagitis, Peptic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011899:Ranitidine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D011899:Ranitidine