Effects of cimetidine on the healing of benign gastric ulcers

Abstract

A prospective double-blind trial was undertaken to determine whether treatment with cimetidine influenced the healing of gastric ulcers in New Zealand patients. Ulcer size and healing was assessed by endoscopic examination. Of the 30 patients who completed the trial, 15 were given cimetidine and 15 placebo. At six weeks, 60% of the patients on cimetidine had healed their ulcers, whereas only 20% of those on the placebo had healed ulcers (P<0.05). Fewer patients taking cimetidine required antacids for symptom control than those on placebo treatment (P<0.05). The study confirmed that cimetidine treatment accelerates the healing of gastric ulcers. Histamine H 2 receptor antagonists have become an accepted treatment for both gastric and duodenal ulceration. In order to confirm that cimetidine is effective in the treatment of gastric ulcer in New Zealand patients, a double-blind study was carried out on outpatients with uncomplicated gastric ulcers.