Cimetidine and ranitidine in duodenal ulcer

Two histamine H2 antagonists, cimetidine and ranitidine, given in doses of 1 g daily and 200 mg daily to 18 and 20 patients respectively proved equivalent in promoting healing of duodenal ulcer. No adverse effects occurred during the trial, though serum urea and creatinine concentrations tended to rise slightly during treatment with cimetidine but not ranitidine. Choice between the two drugs is likely to be influenced by overall patterns of adverse effects rather than considerations of individual potency.