Randomised controlled trial of pantoprazole versus ranitidine for the treatment of uninvestigated heartburn in primary care.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether pantoprazole (20 mg/d) produces significantly greater symptom control than ranitidine (300 mg/d) in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).


METHODS
Multicentre, randomised, double-blind, parallel-group comparison.


METHODS
76 general practices in north-west Sydney and Newcastle, New South Wales (Australia), from 19 January 1999 to 22 September 2000.


METHODS
307 patients aged 18 years or over presenting with symptomatic GORD.


METHODS
Pantoprazole (20 mg once daily) or ranitidine (150 mg twice daily).


METHODS
Patient-assessed frequency and severity of heartburn using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) and a patient heartburn diary.


RESULTS
Pantoprazole was associated with significantly higher rates of complete control of GORD symptoms than ranitidine at four weeks (40% v 19%; P < 0.001), eight weeks (55% v 33%; P < 0.001), six months (71% v 56%; P = 0.007) and 12 months (77% v 59%; P = 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Low-dose pantoprazole is an effective alternative to standard-dose ranitidine for initial and maintenance treatment of patients with symptomatic GORD.
Talley
Nicholas J
NJ
University of Sydney, Nepean Hospital, PO Box 63, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia. ntalley@med.usyd.edu.au
Moore
Michael G
MG
Sprogis
Arn
A
Katelaris
Peter
P
D053799:2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001562:Benzimidazoles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006356:Heartburn / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009853:Omeprazole / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D000077402:Pantoprazole; D011899:Ranitidine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013454:Sulfoxides / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D053799:2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents; D001562:Benzimidazoles; D013454:Sulfoxides; D011899:Ranitidine; D000077402:Pantoprazole; D009853:Omeprazole