Sucralfate and alginate/antacid in reflux esophagitis

• Published in: Scandinavian journal of gastroenterology Vol. 20; no. 2; p. 229
• Main Authors: Laitinen, S, Ståhlberg, M, Kairaluoma, M I, Kiviniemi, H, Pääkkönen, M, Lahtinen, J, Poikolainen, E, Aukee, S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01-01-1985
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Alginates - therapeutic use; Aluminum - therapeutic use; Aluminum Hydroxide - therapeutic use; Antacids - therapeutic use; Anti-Ulcer Agents - therapeutic use; Bicarbonates - therapeutic use; Clinical Trials as Topic; Double-Blind Method; Drug Combinations - therapeutic use; Esophagitis, Peptic - drug therapy; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Silicic Acid - therapeutic use; Silicon Dioxide - therapeutic use; Sodium Bicarbonate; Sucralfate
• DOI: 10.3109/00365528509089662
• ISSN: 0036-5521

The efficacy of sucralfate and of an alginate/antacid compound was compared in a randomized, double-blind 6-week trial in patients with symptomatic, endoscopically confirmed macroscopic reflux esophagitis. Of the 68 patients who completed the study, 36 received sucralfate and 32 alginate/antacid. Significant symptomatic improvement occurred in both treatment groups: almost 70% of the patients became symptom-free or improved. Esophagitis healed completely in 53% of the patients receiving sucralfate and in 34% of the alginate/antacid patients, as measured with endoscopic criteria (p greater than 0.05). Our results indicate that sucralfate seems to be at least as effective as alginate/antacid in relieving symptoms and in healing macroscopic lesions. As a safe, locally active mucosal protecting agent, sucralfate is a promising new drug for the treatment of reflux esophagitis and deserves further trials over longer periods.