Sucralfate versus cimetidine in reflux oesophagitis. A double-blind clinical study.

Sixty patients with endoscopically verified oesophagitis entered a double-blind clinical study comparing 1 g sucralfate granulate given four times daily and 400 mg cimetidine twice daily. The efficacy, as judged by endoscopy and the symptomatic response, were studied after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of treatment. Macroscopic healing of oesophagitis was defined as complete epithelialization of all oesophageal erosive lesions classified in accordance with Savary-Miller. Groups were comparable with regard to demographic data. The healing rate at 12 weeks' end point was 62% in the sucralfate group and 59% in the cimetidine group (NS). Half of the patients in both groups (NS) were relieved of symptoms. No adverse effects were recorded. Sucralfate and cimetidine appear to be equally efficient in the treatment of reflux oesophagitis.