Cimetidine in the simple and retard form: comparison of the efficacy and tolerability in the management of duodenal ulcer
Marenco, G.; Dante, G.L.; Arzillo, G.P.; Frascio, M.; Reboa, G.
Panminerva Medica 27(4): 183-187
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0031-0808 PMID: 3831862 Document Number: 254163
Twenty-four subjects, 6 female and 18 male patients aged 33-75 (.hivin.x = 53) suffering from endoscopically ascertained duodenal ulcer in the active phase were studied. The patients were divided into 2 groups of 12 subjects each, and treated with Cimetidine according to the following administration schedule: Group 1: 2 tablets(800 mg)/day for weeks; Group 2: 1 tablet (400 mg retard)/day for 6 weeks. The results of the study, clearly show that no substantial difference exists between the two administered forms of the drug in duodenal treatment. The slight therapeutic superiority observed in the retard form (100% of the patients who complete the study came to cicatrization or recovery of the ulcer, against 91.6% of those treated with standard Cimetidine), does not seem sufficient reason for "preferring" one preparation to the other, from the standpoint of therapeutic efficacy. Nevertheless, given the comparable therapeutic efficacy and tolerability, the retard form seems preferable since it affords a better compliance on the patient's part, by providing for a simpler dosage schedule. Further studies will show if the results obtained herald a new trend in ulcer treatment.