CIMETIDINE VERSUS ANTACID IN SCLERODERMA WITH REFLUX ESOPHAGITIS - RANDOMIZED DOUBLE-BLIND CONTROLLED-STUDY

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  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 77  (4) , 691-695
Abstract
The effectiveness of cimetidine vs. antacid in the treatment of patients with scleroderma and symptomatic reflux esophagitis was studied in a double-blind cross-over controlled trial. Fifteen patients were initially randomized to cimetidine (300 mg 4 times daily) with placebo antacid, or placebo tablet (1 four times daily) with Mylanta II (30 ml 4 times daily). After 8 wk of therapy on the initial regimen, each patient was crossed over to the alternate regimen for an additional 8 wk of therapy. The severity of symptoms during each treatment period was estimated by patient interviews and changes in esophagitis were evaluated endoscopically. Cimetidine gave significantly greater relief of heartburn than antacid regardless of the initial randomization. Cimetidine caused significant endoscopic improvement of the esophageal mucosa but antacid was without effect. Cimetidine or antacid did not produce any improvement in esophageal stricture size or lower esophageal sphincter pressure. Cimetidine was non-toxic, but antacid therapy frequently produced diarrhea.

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