Comparative study of alginate and non-alginate antacids concurrently administered with H2 antagonists in cases of...

In an open comparative study in endoscopically proven cases of duodenal ulcer, concomitant therapy of H2 antagonist was initiated in two randomly allocated, homogenous patient groups, ie, H2 A + RF alginate antacid (Riflux Forte, Sol Pharmaceuticals Ltd) or H2 A + S non-alginate antacid (Siloxogene, Searle Ltd), both Riflux Forte and Siloxogene having similar compositions of antacids. Overall clinical assessment, percentage improvement, assessment of individual clinical symptoms, global assessment and endoscopic assessment all showed that Riflux Forte and Siloxogene together with H2 antagonist are significantly effective in providing a progressive symptomatic relief in duodenal ulcer cases over an evaluable period of eight weeks. Although differences between Riflux Forte and Siloxogene were not statistically significant, a definite trend of more rapid and favourable responses was seen with Riflux Forte, demonstrating the role played by therapy in preventing reflux and stopping the acid pain cycle.