A comparison of an antacid plus antispasmodic combination and aluminium hydroxide in dyspepsia

A single-blind, between-patient comparative study was carried out in general practice to assess the effectiveness of antacid plus antispasmodic combination tablets (240 mg dried aluminium hydroxide B.P., 144 mg magnesium hydroxide B.P.C., and 5 mg dicyclomine hydrochloride B.P.) and aluminium hydroxide B.P. tablets (500 mg) in the management of chronic dyspepsia. Twenty patients received the combination tablets and 17 the single antacid tablets. They were instructed to chew 2 tablets 3 or 4-times daily and an additional 2 tablets at night if necessary. Patients were assessed initially, and then at 2 and 4 weeks. Both preparations were effective in controlling dyspeptic symptoms. Heartburn and nausea showed an early, significantly greater (p less than 0.05) response to the combined tablet, as did night pain after 4 weeks. Tablet intake of both preparations averaged out at just under 7 tablets per day.