Comparison of pantoprazole and ranitidine in the treatment of acute duodenal ulcer. Pantoprazole-Duodenal Ulcer-Study Group.

BACKGROUND

Pantoprazole is a new substituted benzimidazole that blocks the H+/K(+)-ATPase in the gastric mucosa and thus inhibits acid secretion.

METHODS

Efficacy and tolerability of pantoprazole (40 mg at breakfast) and ranitidine (300 mg at bedtime) in the treatment of uncomplicated acute duodenal ulcer were compared in a double-blind randomized multicentre trial.

RESULTS

Of 202 outpatients who entered the study, 185 terminated the treatment without violation of the protocol. After 2 weeks of treatment, healing rates (protocol correct) with pantoprazole and ranitidine were 81 and 53%, respectively (P < 0.001), the corresponding results after 4 weeks were 97 and 83% (P < 0.01). Pantoprazole was more effective with respect to symptom relief. Both treatments were well tolerated.

CONCLUSION

Pantoprazole 40 mg at breakfast is superior to ranitidine 300 mg at bedtime in the short-term treatment of acute, uncomplicated duodenal ulcer.