The Effect of Omeprazole or Ranitidine Treatment on 24-Hour Esophageal Acidity in Patients with Reflux Esophagitis

Abstract

Twenty-two consecutive patients with gastroesophageal reflux and erosive or ulcerative esophagitis entered a double-blind, randomized study comparing the effect of 20 mg omeprazole once daily with that of 150 mg ranitidine twice daily on esophageal acidity. Ambulatory 24-h esophageal pH measurements were performed within 1 month before inclusion and after 3 weeks of medication. Omeprazole significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the number of reflux (pH < 4) episodes, the number of refluxes lasting >5 min, and the total reflux time. In contrast, ranitidine significantly reduced only the total reflux time. When the two treatment groups were compared, a significant difference in favor of omeprazole was found for daytime and total reflux values, except for the longest reflux and the number of reflux episodes lasting >5 min. Substantial differences, also in favor of omeprazole, were found with regard to the effect on endoscopic healing of the esophagitis.

Key Words:

• Omeprazole
• ranitidine
• reflux esophagitis
• 24-hour esophageal pH