[Dose comparative study with ranitidine in the therapy and prevention of duodenal ulcer]

The clinical value of ranitidine, 75 b. d. versus 175 mg b. d. in 48 patients with endoscopically proven duodenal ulcer was evaluated in a randomised double-blind study. In the two groups of patients there was no significant difference of ulcer healing. After 4 weeks of treatment in each group healing of 79% and after 6 weeks of 92% of the ulcers was observed. After 8 weeks the healing rate was 96% in patients who received 75 mg b. d. and 100% in those receiving 150 mg of ranitidine b. d. Smoking prolonged ulcer healing in both groups. Upon ulcer healing in 34 patients a ranitidine dosis of 75 mg nocte for prophylaxis of ulcer recurrence was compared with a 150 mg dosis nocte. Within 12 months in the two groups recurrence of duodenal ulcer was found by endoscopy in 21% and 20% of the patients. 7 out of 8 patients with ulcer recurrence were smokers. According to the results of these studies it appears that the recommended standard dosis of ranitidine for treatment of duodenal ulcer could be reduced by one half. To confirm our conclusions, further studies with a greater number of duodenal ulcer cases are necessary.