Time to relief of episodic symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. A crossover comparison of single doses of the effervescent and standard formulations of ranitidine.
BACKGROUND
The length of time until symptom relief and the consistency of response are important aspects of the management of episodes of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).


METHODS
In an open, randomized, crossover study 98 patients treated 3 episodes of GORD with ranitidine effervescent formulation and 3 with ranitidine standard formulation. The patients filled in a diary card during the 1st h after each study medication. Satisfaction with the formulations and the formulation of choice were determined at the end of the study.


RESULTS
A higher percentage of episodes with acceptable symptom relief (82.4% versus 73.1% P=0.024) and a shorter time to acceptable symptom relief (27 min versus 36 min; P < 0.001) were achieved with the effervescent formulation. Sixty-five per cent preferred the effervescent formulation (P < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
An increased consistency of response and a more rapid symptom relief were achieved with treatment with the ranitidine effervescent formulation, indicating it may be more appropriate for on-demand treatment in patients with episodes of GORD.
Elm
M
M
Local Health Care Centre, Fritsla, Sweden.
Hellke
P
P
Andrén
K
K
Dahl
G
G
Nyth
A L
AL
D000328:Adult; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011899:Ranitidine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents; D011899:Ranitidine