In a multicentre study the effect of
ranitidine on healing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drug (
NSAID) associated
peptic ulcers was compared in a group of patients who had stopped
NSAID treatment with another group who continued with
NSAID treatment. A total of 190 patients with confirmed
ulcers were randomised to continue or stop
NSAID treatment. All patients in addition received
ranitidine 150 mg twice daily. Patients were endoscopically monitored at four, eight, and 12 weeks.
Gastric ulcers at eight weeks had healed in 63% of those taking
NSAIDs compared with 95% of those who had stopped
NSAID treatment. For
duodenal ulcer the healing rates at eight weeks were 84% in the group continuing
NSAIDs compared with 100% in those who stopped
NSAIDs. The differences in healing rates were statistically significant for both
gastric ulcer (p = 0.001) and for
duodenal ulcer (p = 0.006). At 12 weeks, 79% of
gastric ulcers and 92% of
duodenal ulcers were healed in the group continuing with
NSAIDs. All patients with gastric and
duodenal ulcers who stopped taking
NSAIDs were healed at 12 weeks. The study shows that
ranitidine 150 mg twice daily effectively heals
NSAID associated
peptic ulcers. Healing is more successful when
NSAID treatment stops but even if these drugs are continued, substantial healing rates are achievable.