[Antacid therapy of upper abdominal symptoms. Double-blind study on the effect and tolerance of 2 antacids in gastritis , esophagitis and functional upper abdominal symptoms].

In a randomized, multicenter, double-blind study involving a total of 97 patients, the effectiveness and tolerance of Gelofalk, a new type of antacid combination comprising smectite--a natural alum earth, the specific molecular structure of which permits it to bind aggressive substances particularly well--aluminium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide were investigated in comparison with a commercially available aluminium hydroxide antacid used by patients with gastritis, esophagitis and functional upper abdominal complaints over a treatment period of 4 weeks. The buffering capacity of a daily dose of Gelofalk was 135 mval, in the case of the reference antacid 210 mval. In terms of pain relief, reduction of accompanying symptoms, and endoscopic healing properties, Gelofalk proved very effective. Because of its particular properties, the preparation proved significantly superior to an aluminium hydroxide suspension in the case of most test parameters, in particular pain relief, onset of effect and heartburn. Gelofalk was very well tolerated; constipation or diarrhea occurred in only 2 cases each.