Reflux Esophagitis: Effect of Oral Bethanechol on Symptoms and Endoscopic Findings

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Abstract
The effectiveness of oral bethanechol on symptoms and endoscopic evaluation of reflux esophagitis was evaluated in a double-blind controlled study. Patients (44) were treated with 25 mg bethanechol tablets or placebo, each given 4 times daily for 4 wk, in addition to conventional medical therapy. Both therapies significantly decreased symptoms and endoscopic lesions, but endoscopic improvement was better in the bethanechol-treated group. Bethanechol therapy caused complete endoscopic healing in 10 of 22 cases but only 3 of 22 patients in the control group had such healing. No worsening of endoscopic lesions was seen in either group. Bethanechol is an effective drug offering advantages over conventional antacid therapy in the treatment of reflux esophagitis.