Randomized double-masked trial of sodium oxyferriscorbone for the treatment of gastric ulcers.

A double-blind 4-week trial of sodium oxyferriscorbone versus placebo (distilled water) was conducted in 46 outpatients with endoscopically confirmed gastric ulcer. Ulcer healing occurred in 15 of 20 patients receiving sodium oxyferriscorbone (75%) and in 7 of 20 patients receiving placebo (35%). Patients receiving sodium oxyferriscorbone experienced less pain and required less antacid than those receiving placebo (P less than 0.05). Side effects were reported in 12 patients, 7 while receiving sodium oxyferriscorbone and 5 while receiving placebo. Six patients did not complete the study due to ulcer complications. Routine laboratory tests revealed no persistent abnormalities that could be related to the treatment. Five placebo-treated patients that were therapeutic failures were switched to sodium oxyferriscorbone and healing was observed within 3 weeks. It is concluded that sodium oxyferriscorbone is effective in enhancing healing of gastric ulcers.