THE EFFECT OF RANITIDINE ON SYMPTOM RELIEF AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF PATIENTS WITH GASTRO‐OESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE

Abstract

SUMMARY A 4‐week study involving 354 patients with the symptoms of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease was conducted to assess the effect of ranitidine (as effervescent tablets) on their relief and quality of life. All patients received 150 mg bd for 2 weeks, with those responding to treatment continuing on the same dosage for a further 2‐week period and 'non‐responders' having the dosage increased to 150 mg qds for a further 2 weeks. Quality of life and symptom assessments were carried out at 0, 2 and 4 weeks. Two weeks' treatment with ranitidine 150 mg bd was effective at controlling the GORD symptoms in 78% of patients. A 4‐week treatment with either 150 mg bd or qds controlled the symptoms in 85% of patients. All patients had significant improvements in all dimensions of their quality of life over the study period.