Rioprostil vs. ranitidine in duodenal ulcer healing: a double-blind multicentre trial

A total of 156 patients with endoscopically proven duodenal ulcers are randomized in a double-blind, multicentre trial comparing rioprostil, 300 micrograms b.d., with ranitidine, 150 mg b.d. With rioprostil, the cumulative healing rate by endoscopy is 73% at 4 weeks, and 87% at 6 weeks. With ranitidine it is 79% and 92%, respectively. There is no difference in the occurrence of pain after the two types of treatment, and the side effects are comparable in the two groups. These results show that rioprostil is probably as effective and safe as ranitidine in the treatment of duodenal ulcer.