Time to Relief of Episodic Symptoms of Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease: A Crossover Comparison of Single Doses of the Effervescent and Standard Formulations of Ranitidine

Abstract

Background: The length of time until symptom relief and the consistency of response are important aspects of the management of episodes of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Methods: In an open, randomized, crossover study 98 patients treated 3 episodes of GORD with ranitidine effervescent formulation and 3 with ranitidine standard formulation. The patients filled in a diary card during the 1st h after each study medication. Satisfaction with the formulations and the formulation of choice were determined at the end of the study. Results: A higher percentage of episodes with acceptable symptom relief (82.4% versus 73.1%; P = 0.024) and a shorter time to acceptable symptom relief (27 min versus 36 min; P < 0.001) were achieved with the effervescent formulation. Sixty-five per cent preferred the effervescent formulation (P < 0.01). Conclusions: An increased consistency of response and a more rapid symptom relief were achieved with treatment with the ranitidine effervescent formulation, indicating it may be more appropriate for on-demand treatment in patients with episodes of GORD.