riopan and Gastroesophageal-Reflux

The aims of the present study were to compare effects of sodium alginate and the antacid magaldrate anhydrous in adults with gastroesophageal reflux (GOR) symptoms. Patients with heartburn and/or acid regurgitation for at least 3 days in the week before the study started (n=203) were randomized to receive a single dose of sodium alginate or magaldrate anhydrous at the onset of symptoms during a 3-day run-in period. Patients with symptoms during the run-in (n=191) were rerandomized to receive a 14-day treatment with either drug given as four daily doses. A speed of action < or =30 min was significantly more frequent among patients in the alginate group (49.4% vs. 40.4%; P=0.0074). A trend toward a more prolonged duration of action (median: 16.5 vs. 12.7 hr) and a greater sum of the symptom intensity difference (median: 40.0 vs. 31.0) was observed in the sodium alginate group. Total disappearance of symptoms was reported in 81.6% and 73.9% of patients in the sodium alginate group and magaldrate group, respectively. We conclude that sodium alginate was faster than magaldrate in relieving GRO symptoms and showed a tendency toward a more prolonged duration of action and a higher level of efficacy.

Topics: Adolescent; Alginates; Aluminum Hydroxide; Antacids; Drug Carriers; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Glucuronic Acid; Hexuronic Acids; Humans; Magnesium Hydroxide; Prospective Studies; Treatment Outcome

Fifteen cases of intractable chronic esophagitis due to gastroesophageal reflux were treated with a continuous intraesophageal antacid drip. A proprietary antacid preparation, Gelusil or monalium hydrate (Riopan), in a concentration of one part of antacid to nine parts of water, was infused into the mid-esophagus through a polyethylene tube with an internal diameter which admits a No. 18 blunted needle. Patients are not confined to bed while the drip is in progress. If the flow is constant and the end of the tube is below the cricopharyngeal sphincter, patients do not experience discomfort even if the drip is administered continuously for several days.Results indicate that remission of symptoms can be achieved in almost every patient, even those who have previously failed to respond to oral antacid therapy.

Topics: Aluminum Hydroxide; Antacids; Anti-Ulcer Agents; Drug Combinations; Esophagitis, Peptic; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Geriatrics; Humans; Hydroxides; Magnesium Hydroxide; Silicic Acid