Double-blind trial of cimetidine versus tri-potassium di-citrato bismuthate in chronic duodenal ulceration.

Thirty-seven patients with chronic duodenal ulceration were entered into an endoscopically controlled trial of cimetidine (Tagamet) versus tri-potassium di-citrato bismuthate (De-Nol). At six weeks, 83% of patients taking cimetidine showed complete ulcer healing compared with 74% of patients taking tri-potassium di-citrato bismuthate. By ten weeks, the corresponding figures were 89% and 84% respectively. Symptomatic relief was similar in both treatment groups and, despite advice to the contrary, continued smoking and alcohol consumption did not appear to adversely affect healing. Both drugs appear to be equally effective in healing chronic duodenal ulcers.