The effectiveness of ranitidine in non-ulcer dyspepsia (functional dyspepsia) in comparison with an antacid
Hotz, J.; Plein, K.; Bunke, R.
Medizinische Klinik 89(2): 73-80; 107
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0723-5003 PMID: 8164599 Document Number: 424537
It is generally accepted that functional dyspepsia is caused by heterogeneous pathogenetic factors. From the clinical point of view acid-related symptoms as heartburn, acid regurgitation and epigastric pain (acid-type) can be separated from general dyspeptic symptoms as predominant fullness, nausea/vomiting (dysmotility-type). In the present study, the influence of a four-week-treatment with ranitidine (twice 150/d, n = 346) in comparison with an antacid (40 mmol/d, n = 340) on the severity and course of symptoms in patients suffering from an acid-related functional dyspepsia was investigated. With ranitidine, acid-related as well as general dyspeptic symptoms disappeared in a significantly higher percentage after two and four weeks compared with antacid. Complete disappearance of symptoms was documented with ranitidine after two weeks in 37% and after four weeks in 66% compared with antacid in 13% and 30% respectively (p < 0.005). Patients with severe symptoms, history of ulcer and long-term dyspepsia and slight endoscopic changes in the upper gastrointestinal tract showed a significant faster and more distinct response. Both kinds of treatment were well tolerated. It is concluded that in acid-related functional dyspepsia ranitidine is superior to antacid in relieving symptoms. Therefore, a probative treatment with ranitidine up to four weeks is recommended as a practical therapeutic alternative in this syndrome.