Misoprostol, a synthetic prostaglandin E1 analogue, in the treatment of duodenal ulcers. A double-blind, cimetidine-controlled trial
O'Keefe, S.J.; Spitaels, J.M.; Mannion, G.; Naiker, N.
South African Medical Journal 67(9): 321-324
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0256-9574 PMID: 3920770 Document Number: 256200
The effects of 2 dosage levels of a synthetc prostaglandin E1 analogue, misoprostol, and cimetidine on short-term duodenal ulcer healing were compared in a double-blind, endoscopically controlled 4 wk study. The 66 adult patients were randomly divided into 3 groups, receiving either misoprostol 200 .mu.g 4 times a day, misoprostol 50 .mu.g 4 times a day or cimetidine 300 mg 4 times a day. Rates of healing were comparable in the 3 groups, with complete healing in 62% of those patients receiving cimetidine and high-dose misoprostol. Patients whose ulcers had healed were then followed up for a further 6 mo. in order to assess recurrence rates. Relapse rates were significantly higher in the cimetidine-treated groups (85% within 6 mo.) than in the misoprostol-treated groups (50% in the low-dose and 38% in the high-dose group).