Double-blind, placebo-controlled study of ranitidine for gastroesophageal reflux symptoms during pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether ranitidine (Zantac) taken once or twice daily is effective for relieving symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux among pregnant women who had failed conservative measures.


METHODS
Volunteers with heartburn despite antacids were sought among our obstetrics clinic population for this double-blind, placebo-controlled, triple crossover trial. After a baseline week, 20 patients were randomized to receive the three following weekly regimens: ranitidine 150 mg twice daily, placebo in the morning and ranitidine 150 mg in the evening, or placebo twice daily. Daily scores on symptom diaries, global assessments, and number of antacids taken were compared among the 18 patients completing the study.


RESULTS
The twice-daily dosage of ranitidine was the only regimen found to reduce heartburn symptoms when compared with the baseline (P < .001) or a placebo (P < .01). Compared with ranitidine taken once daily, the twice-daily dosing prompted less need for antacid tablets compared with the placebo (P < .05 versus P > .05) and to the baseline (P < .001 versus P < .05). The average reduction of heartburn severity using twice-daily ranitidine was 55.6% when compared with baseline (95% confidence interval [CI] 34.8%, 76.5%) was 44.2% when compared with placebo (95% CI 15.4%, 72.9%).


CONCLUSIONS
This study indicates the efficacy of ranitidine 150 mg taken twice daily, rather than once daily, for relief of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms during pregnancy.
Larson
J D
JD
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Oklahoma City, USA.
Patatanian
E
E
Miner
P B
PB
Rayburn
W F
WF
Robinson
M G
MG
D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006356:Heartburn / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011899:Ranitidine / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists; D011899:Ranitidine