Clinical effectiveness of a new antacid chewing gum on heartburn and oesophageal pH control.
BACKGROUND
Oesophageal acid neutralization with antacids depends on the duration of oesophageal antacid exposure and acid neutralizing capacity. A gum that releases antacid as it is chewed could take advantage of both mechanisms to enhance heartburn relief.


METHODS
Twenty-four subjects were crossed over to four regimens: placebo, chewable antacid tablets (1000 mg CaCO3), lower dose gum (600 mg CaCO3) and higher dose gum (900 mg CaCO3). A dual pH probe was placed, subjects ate a standardized provocative meal and self-dosed once as needed. Symptoms were recorded every 15 min using visual analogue and Likert scales.


RESULTS



METHODS
Both gums decreased heartburn compared to placebo for 120 min. Higher dose gum decreased heartburn more than chewable antacids up to 120 min post-dose. pH: Active chewable antacid and gums immediately increased oesophageal pH, with significant improvement 15-30 min post-dose.


CONCLUSIONS
(i) both gums promptly decreased heartburn and elevated oesophageal pH; (ii) both gums provided sustained relief for 120 min; (iii) antacid gums provided faster and more prolonged symptom relief and pH control than chewable antacids.


CONCLUSIONS
Calcium carbonate gum effectively neutralizes oesophageal acidity and relieves symptoms following a meal, and is superior to chewable antacids in terms of the duration of heartburn relief.
Collings
K L
KL
Oklahoma Foundation for Digestive Research, Oklahoma City 73104, USA.
Rodriguez-Stanley
S
S
Proskin
H M
HM
Robinson
M
M
Miner
P B
PB
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000863:Antacids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002119:Calcium Carbonate / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002638:Chewing Gum; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004947:Esophagus / Q000378:metabolism*; D005745:Gastric Acidity Determination; D005753:Gastric Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism; D006356:Heartburn / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016037:Single-Blind Method
D000863:Antacids; D002638:Chewing Gum; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D002119:Calcium Carbonate