Clinical effectiveness of a new antacid chewing gum on heartburn and oesophageal pH control.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Oesophageal acid neutralization with antacids depends on the duration of oesophageal antacid exposure and acid neutralizing capacity. A gum that releases antacid as it is chewed could take advantage of both mechanisms to enhance heartburn relief.

METHODS:

Twenty-four subjects were crossed over to four regimens: placebo, chewable antacid tablets (1000 mg CaCO3), lower dose gum (600 mg CaCO3) and higher dose gum (900 mg CaCO3). A dual pH probe was placed, subjects ate a standardized provocative meal and self-dosed once as needed. Symptoms were recorded every 15 min using visual analogue and Likert scales.

RESULTS:

SYMPTOMS:

Both gums decreased heartburn compared to placebo for 120 min. Higher dose gum decreased heartburn more than chewable antacids up to 120 min post-dose. pH: Active chewable antacid and gums immediately increased oesophageal pH, with significant improvement 15-30 min post-dose.

SUMMARY:

(i) both gums promptly decreased heartburn and elevated oesophageal pH; (ii) both gums provided sustained relief for 120 min; (iii) antacid gums provided faster and more prolonged symptom relief and pH control than chewable antacids.

CONCLUSIONS:

Calcium carbonate gum effectively neutralizes oesophageal acidity and relieves symptoms following a meal, and is superior to chewable antacids in terms of the duration of heartburn relief.

• Authors: K L Collings, S Rodriguez-Stanley, H M Proskin, M Robinson, P B Miner Jr
• Journal: Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics (Aliment Pharmacol Ther) Vol. 16 Issue 12 Pg. 2029-35 (Dec 2002) ISSN: 0269-2813 [Print] England
• PMID: 12452946 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antacids
• Chewing Gum
• Delayed-Action Preparations
• Calcium Carbonate

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Antacids (administration & dosage)
• Calcium Carbonate (administration & dosage)
• Chewing Gum
• Cross-Over Studies
• Delayed-Action Preparations
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Esophagus (metabolism)
• Gastric Acidity Determination
• Gastric Mucosa (metabolism)
• Heartburn (drug therapy, metabolism)
• Humans
• Hydrogen-Ion Concentration (drug effects)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Severity of Illness Index
• Single-Blind Method