Addition of a H2 receptor antagonist to PPI improves acid control and decreases nocturnal acid breakthrough.
BACKGROUND
The addition of a bedtime H2 receptor antagonist (H2RA) to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) b.i.d. to inhibit nocturnal acid breakthrough (NAB) is controversial. H2RA tolerance has been documented suggesting limitations in its long-term effect.


OBJECTIVE
To compare the intragastric pH and NAB occurring with twice daily PPI with or without the addition of a H2RA.


METHODS
Multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH studies in 100 patients were reviewed. Fifty-eight patients (female 41; mean age, 54 y; range, 17 to 85) were studied on twice daily PPI. Forty-two patients (female 36; mean age, 53 y; range 20 to 85) were studied on a PPI b.i.d.+H2RA for at least 1 month at bedtime. The percentage time of intragastric pH<4 (upright, recumbent, and total) and NAB were compared between the groups.


RESULTS
In the patients with PPI b.i.d. 64% had NAB, compared with only 17% of patients on PPI b.i.d. and H2RA q.h.s. (P<0.001). The percent time intragastric pH<4 for patients on PPI b.i.d. was significantly higher (P<0.01) compared with patients on PPI b.i.d.+H2RA q.h.s. during upright (29.1+/-3.0 vs. 18.3+/-2.9), recumbent (33.5+/-3.4 vs. 12.5+/-3.1), and entire period (31.5+/-2.8 vs. 18.0+/-3.0).


CONCLUSIONS
The addition of a bedtime H2RA reduces the percentage time of the intragastric pH<4 and also NAB. H2RA should be considered as adjunct therapy in whom greater suppression of gastric acid control is considered desirable.
Mainie
Inder
I
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
Tutuian
Radu
R
Castell
Donald O
DO
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004361:Drug Tolerance; D017097:Electric Impedance; D005260:Female; D005744:Gastric Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D005745:Gastric Acidity Determination; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors
D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents; D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors