Interim analysis of a comparative trial of ranitidine and cimetidine in the prevention of duodenal ulcer.

A multicenter, double-blind, double-dummy maintenance trial was performed using ranitidine 150 mg or cimetidine 400 mg taken orally at night for 12 months. A total of 454 patients with healed duodenal ulcer entered the trial. This interim analysis of the results shows that based on the findings of endoscopic assessments performed four, eight, and 12 months after starting treatment, the relapse rate for duodenal ulcer was significantly lower in those taking ranitidine than in those treated with cimetidine. There were no serious unwanted effects attributable to either drug.