[The effectiveness of ranitidine in non-ulcer dyspepsia (functional dyspepsia) in comparison with an antacid].
BACKGROUND
It is generally accepted that functional dyspepsia is caused by heterogeneous pathogenetic factors. From the clinical point of view acid-related symptoms as heartburn, acid regurgitation and epigastric pain (acid-type) can be separated from general dyspeptic symptoms as predominant fullness, nausea/vomiting (dysmotility-type).


METHODS
In the present study, the influence of a four-week-treatment with ranitidine (twice 150/d, n = 346) in comparison with an antacid (40 mmol/d, n = 340) on the severity and course of symptoms in patients suffering from an acid-related functional dyspepsia was investigated.


RESULTS
With ranitidine, acid-related as well as general dyspeptic symptoms disappeared in a significantly higher percentage after two and four weeks compared with antacid. Complete disappearance of symptoms was documented with ranitidine after two weeks in 37% and after four weeks in 66% compared with antacid in 13% and 30% respectively (p < 0.005). Patients with severe symptoms, history of ulcer and long-term dyspepsia and slight endoscopic changes in the upper gastrointestinal tract showed a significant faster and more distinct response. Both kinds of treatment were well tolerated.


CONCLUSIONS
It is concluded that in acid-related functional dyspepsia ranitidine is superior to antacid in relieving symptoms. Therefore, a probative treatment with ranitidine up to four weeks is recommended as a practical therapeutic alternative in this syndrome.
Hotz
J
J
Klinik für Gastroenterologie, Allgemeines Krankenhaus Celle.
Plein
K
K
Bunke
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000536:Aluminum Hydroxide / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000863:Antacids / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004415:Dyspepsia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D004942:Esophagitis, Peptic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008276:Magnesium Hydroxide / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011899:Ranitidine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D012824:Silicic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects
D000863:Antacids; D004338:Drug Combinations; D012824:Silicic Acid; D000536:Aluminum Hydroxide; C036656:Gelusil; D011899:Ranitidine; D008276:Magnesium Hydroxide
Wirksamkeit von Ranitidin beim Reizmagensyndrom (funktionelle Dyspepsie) im Vergleich zu einem Antacidum.