The Effect of Ranitidine on Oesophageal Motility

Abstract

Ranitidine is used to treat symptomatic oesophageal reflux; its effect is probably to a great extent due to reduced gastric secretion. Whether it also affects oesophageal motility is a matter of controversy. In a randomized double-blind study oesophageal motility was recorded in 21 healthy individuals after 3 doses of 150 mg ranitidine or placebo given over 36 h. Ranitidine increased the pressure in the lower oesophageal sphincter from 14 to 18 mmHg (p = 0.05) but otherwise did not influence oesophagcal motility.

Key Words:

• Motility
• oesophagus
• ranitidine