Effects of ranitidine for exercise induced gastric mucosal changes and bleeding

To evaluate the effect of ranitidine on gastric mucosal changes and on GI bleeding in long distance runners.

Twenty-four long distance runners (M: 16, F: 8, age: 18.2 +/- 1.5 years) participated in this study. A symptom questionnaire, stool hemoccult test, and upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy were performed on the subjects prior to the study. The subjects took oral ranitidine (150 mg, b.i.d.) for two weeks. The upper GI endoscopy and stool Hemoccult tests were repeated after the treatment.

Twenty-two of the 24 runners had at least one upper GI mucosal lesion before the medication. The Endoscopic improvements were seen in eleven of the 14 cases of erosive gastritis and four of the 5 cases of esophagitis. Six subjects were Heme occult positive prior to the study, but only one was positive after the medication.

Gastric mucosal lesions and GI bleeding in long distance runners seem to be associated to acid-related factors mediated by the high level of regular running. Ranitidine seems to be and effective prophylaxis to prevent gastric mucosal lesions and GI bleeding.