The effect of cimetidine versus ranitidine on the gastric emptying rate of intensive care unit patients sustained on artificial respiration.

OBJECTIVE

To answer the question if their is a difference between cimetidine versus ranitidine on the gastric emptying rate.

DESIGN

Prospective, blinded, randomised controlled study.

SETTING

A mixed intensive care unit at the University Hospital.

PATIENTS

Twenty-four patients sustained on artificial respiration.

INTERVENTIONS

Blinded and randomised either cimetidine 200 mg or ranitidine 50 mg were administered IV, after administration of 500 ml of enteral nutrition.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The gastric emptying rate (gastric filling index) was measured over 120 minutes by an ultrasonographic method. In both groups t/2 was very long, there was no statistical difference between the two groups concerning the mean gastric filling index values at successive measurements (time 0 to 120 minutes). Neither was there a difference between the young and the elderly, female and male patients.

CONCLUSION

Following administration of either ranitidine or cimetidine in bolus, no difference in the gastric emptying of gastric liquid feeding could be observed in critically ill intubated, ventilated patients.