simethicone and alginate--aluminium-hydroxide--magnesium-trisilicate--sodium-bicarbonate-drug-combination

Fifty-three patients with symptomatic reflux oesophagitis were entered into a single centre randomized study comparing the effects of a dimethicone/antacid (Asilone Gel) and an alginate/antacid (Gaviscon liquid) on symptoms and endoscopic changes over an 8-week period. Both treatments significantly improved heartburn, acid regurgitation and flatulence. Dimethicone/antacid but not alginate/antacid, produced a significant improvement in oesophagitis, oesophageal ulceration and histological grade of inflammation over the 8-week treatment period so that 14 patients treated with dimethicone/antacid and 10 with alginate/antacid had normal endoscopic oesophageal appearances at the end of the study. The difference in improvement between the two patient groups did not reach significance however, except for dimethicone/antacid improving histological changes (P less than 0.05). These findings suggest that dimethicone/antacid and alginate/antacid are equally effective in treating symptomatic reflux oesophagitis although dimethicone/antacid may have an advantage in improving oesophageal histological appearances.

Topics: Adult; Alginates; Aluminum Hydroxide; Antacids; Bicarbonates; Dimethylpolysiloxanes; Double-Blind Method; Drug Combinations; Esophagitis, Peptic; Esophagus; Female; Humans; Magnesium Oxide; Male; Silicic Acid; Simethicone; Sodium Bicarbonate

Four antacid preparations have been studied in a stratified, randomized, double-blind trial to evaluate criteria which determine patients' acceptance of this type of therapy. There was a considerable range of judgements about palatability, but preference was determined not only by factors such as the smell, taste, texture and after-taste of the preparation, but also by the order in which the antacids were tested and by the age and sex of the patient. The preparations also differed considerably in acid-neutralizing capacity and ability to bind bile salts, as well as cost. We conclude that individuals requiring antacid therapy should be allowed to chose from among a range of preparations, in order to maximize compliance.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Alginates; Aluminum Compounds; Aluminum Hydroxide; Aluminum Silicates; Antacids; Bicarbonates; Clinical Trials as Topic; Dimethylpolysiloxanes; Double-Blind Method; Drug Combinations; Esophagitis; Female; Humans; Magnesium; Magnesium Compounds; Magnesium Hydroxide; Magnesium Oxide; Male; Middle Aged; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Peptic Ulcer; Random Allocation; Silicates; Silicic Acid; Silicon Dioxide; Silicones; Simethicone; Sodium Bicarbonate

Topics: Alginates; Aluminum Hydroxide; Antacids; Bicarbonates; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; Chenodeoxycholic Acid; Cimetidine; Dicyclomine; Drug Combinations; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Humans; Magnesium Hydroxide; Silicic Acid; Simethicone; Sodium Bicarbonate; United States; United States Food and Drug Administration