title: Why do dyspeptic patients prefer one liquid antacid to another?
abstract: The motives of dyspeptic patients for preferring one treatment over another were examined. In a conventional double-blind study, no difference with respect to the effectiveness of two liquid antacid preparations in symptomatic relief of dyspeptic symptoms was found. In a double-blind randomized self-controlled crossover 'preference study', the two preparations were given in coloured bags. The patients were asked to switch from one type of bag to another until they had a preference. Most patients finally preferred bags displaying the colour which they had initially chosen. The reasons given for preferring one of the drugs were better effectiveness on symptoms, less side effects and better taste. Colour of the bags was not given as a reason. Thus, the patients may prefer drugs on the basis of the external appearance of the wrapping without being aware of the true reason for their choice.
mesh_terms: D000863:Antacids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002755:Choice Behavior; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004349:Drug Packaging; D004415:Dyspepsia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D009042:Motivation; D010358:Patient Participation; D011897:Random Allocation
chemical_list: D000863:Antacids