Duodenal Ulcer Healing with Four Antacid Tablets Daily

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Abstract
In a double-blind, randomized, multicenter trial in 80 consecutive outpatients with endoscopically verified duodenal ulcer, we have tested the ulcer-healing efficacy of a quite low dose of antacids, given only four times daily. The patients received one chewable aluminum-magnesium-antacid tablet (buffering capacity, 30 mmol/tablet) or placebo 1 h after meals and at bedtime. Re-endoscopy after 4 weeks of treatment showed healed ulcer in 28 of 38 patients (74%) in the antacid group, compared with 11 of 38 patients (29%) in the placebo group (p < 0.001). The number of days and nights with ulcer pain was significantly less in the antacid group than in the placebo group during the treatment period. Thus, only four antacid tablets a day, with a total buffering capacity of 120 mmol/day, significantly promote duodenal ulcer healing and pain relief.