Medical treatment of duodenal ulcer.

Recent controlled clinical trials have shown that acute episodes of duodenal ulcer can be treated successfully with either anti-secretory (cimetidine), mucosa-protective (carbenoxolone, organic bismuth preparation) or antacid drugs. For prevention of recurrence, only cimetidine has thus far proved effective. A critical review is presented of the advantages and disadvantages of these drugs in conservative ulcer therapy.