A controlled multicentre therapeutic trial to determine the efficacy of a novel antacid (AI-Mg-hydroxy-carbonate) in duodenal ulcer.

Tisacid (a new, modern Hungarian AI-containing antacid) with a high acid-neutralizing capacity (greater than 26.8 mmol/g) also enhances gastric mucosal defense mechanisms (prostaglandin-dependent gastroprotection). A simple-blind, prospective, randomized, parallel multicentre clinical trial has been performed on both the clinical efficacy and possible side-effects of Tisacid monotherapy (AI-Mg-hydroxy-carbonate) on informed patients suffering from active duodenal ulcers. The four study groups were as follows: Group A: 3 g/day of Tisacid (acid-neutralizing capacity = 78 mmol, n = 85), Group B: 6 g/day of Tisacid (acid-neutralizing capacity = 156 mmol, n = 88), Group C: 12 g/day of Tisacid (acid-neutralizing capacity = 312 mmol, n = 68), Group D (as control): 1.0 g/day cimetidine (n = 91). The total number of patients was 332. It was found that the new Hungarian antacid compound (both tablet and suspension) can essentially accelerate the healing rate of duodenal ulcers; the cumulative healing rate of ulcers and the decrease of complaints can be achieved equally by relatively low doses of Tisacid monotherapy and cimetidine alone; and there were no essential differences between the clinical potency and side-effects of Tisacid tablets or the suspension.