The effects of L-sulpiride on reflux oesophagitis

Prokinetic drugs are commonly used for treatment of reflux oesophagitis. Although much data has been collected in clinical trials, their therapeutic effects are still uncertain. In this study the effects of L-sulpiride, if any, were examined when used to treat reflux oesophagitis in thirty patients. The patients were divided into two groups: a control group and a group given 25 mg t.i.v./day, p.o. of L-sulpiride for 30 days. They were treated as outpatients and had endoscopic, histological and ultrastructural examinations on the 30th and 60th days of treatment. It was found that the symptoms of patients with reflux oesophagitis were alleviated and the endoscopic and ultrastructural lesions of patients with minor oesophagitis were also decreased. In other patients, symptoms improved without resolution of the lesions. The authors conclude, therefore, that L-sulpiride would be appropriate treatment for Grade I cases.