Comparison of an H2 receptor antagonist and a neutralizing antacid on postprandial acid delivery into the duodenum in patients with duodenal ulcer

Abstract

Measurement of the postprandial rate of acid delivery into the duodenum directly assessed the efficacy of two radically different acid-reducing therapies for duodenal ulcer disease. Cimetidine, 400 mg, with an ordinary solid meal decreased the 4-hr delivery of titratable acid and hydrogen ion into the duodenum by 63 and 86%, respectively (P less than 0.01 versus control). Liquid Maalox, 30 ml, 1 and 3 hr after an identical meal reduced 4-hr delivery of acid by 47 and 74%, respectively (P less than 0.01 versus control). During the study period, the H2 receptor antagonist effected a continuous reduction in gastric acidity and the delivery of acid into the duodenum. The liquid neutralizing antacid produced a more fluctuating decrease in these parameters. However, given in these dosages, the magnitude and duration of the acid-reducing effect were similar for both treatments.