Acute treatment of reflux oesophagitis: a multicentre trial to compare 150 mg ranitidine b.d. with 300 mg ranitidine q.d.s.

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Abstract
SUMMARY: H2‐receptor antagonists administered in conventional dosage regimens fail to heal a significant proportion of patients with moderate or severe reflux oesophagitis. We have compared the effects of a higher dose of ranitidine (300 mg q.d.s.) with the currently recommended dosage regimen (150 mg b.d.) in 138 patients suffering from reflux oesophagitis. After 4 weeks of treatment 29% of patients who received 150 mg ranitidine b.d., and 63% of patients who received 300 mg ranitidine q.d.s. had complete endoscopic healing of their lesions (P < 0.0001). After 8 weeks these proportions had increased to 54% and 75%, respectively (P < 0.01). After 4 weeks of treatment, compete symptomatic relief had been achieved in 46% of patients who received 150 mg ranitidine b.d and in 67% of patients who received 300 mg ranitidine q.d.s. (P < 0.05). After 8 weeks these proportions were 64% and 84%, respectively (P < 0.05). Both dosage schedules were well‐tolerated. We conclude that more rapid symptom relief and healing in reflux oesophagitis can be achieved with 300 mg ranitidine q.d.s. than with 150 mg ranitidine b.d.