Efficacy of an activated charcoal-simethicone combination in dyspeptic syndrome: results of a randomized prospective study in general practice.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this prospective, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was to evaluate the efficacy of a commercial combination of simethicone and activated charcoal (Carbosylane) on dyspeptic symptoms in patients consulting a general practitioner.


METHODS
A total of 132 patients were studied. Treatment duration was 3 months, followed by a 2 months follow-up period.


RESULTS
At the end of the treatment period, the percentage of patients with a reduction of at least two points on the symptom intensity scale was significantly higher with Carbosylane than with a placebo (P=0.043). Compared with placebo, the intensity of three symptoms (abdominal fullness, bloating and the sensation of slow digestion) was significantly decreased after 90 days of Carbosylane (P<0.05). At the end of the post-treatment follow-up, the percentages of patients with moderate or severe global complaints were 6.78% and 21.43% in the Carbosylane and placebo groups, respectively (P<0.03).


CONCLUSIONS
Among patients consulting a general practitioner for dyspeptic syndrome, 3 months of treatment with Carbosylane resulted in significant symptomatic improvement. The improvement was still evident 2 months after the end of treatment.
Service de Médecine Générale, Lognes, France.
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M
Lecuyer
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Cousin
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Monnot
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B
Coffin
D000328:Adult; D000931:Antidotes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002606:Charcoal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004415:Dyspepsia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012841:Simethicone / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000931:Antidotes; D004338:Drug Combinations; D002606:Charcoal; D012841:Simethicone