Cimetidine in the Treatment of Duodenal Ulcer: Double-Blind Study

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Abstract
To determine the efficacy and safety of cimetidine in the treatment of duodenal ulcer, forty-five patients with this diagnosis were selected for a double-blind study. Diagnosis was confirmed by endoscopy and photography of the lesion. Cimetidine in the form of 200 mg tablets was administered to twenty-four patients at the rate of 1 tablet t.i.d.p.c. and 2 tablets h.s. The same dosage of an identically appearing placebo tablet was given to twenty-one patients. The only other medication permitted was an aluminum + magnesium gel antacid p.r.n. Patients and medication were randomized, the same patients being seen by the same physician throughout the six-week observation period. Laboratory monitoring of patients (complete blood counts, blood chemistry, urinalysis, gastric acidity) took place at one, two, four and six weeks as did clinical observation. Three placebo patients withdrew from the study. The patients on cimetidine showed a statistically significant greater number of healed ulcers, early and late in the treatment; earlier and more persistent pain relief in a greater number; and considerably fewer requiring antacid than those patients on placebo. No side-effects were noted.