Safety and efficacy of new glyceryl trinitrate suppository formula: first double blind placebo-controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Purpose: This study was designed to assess the safety and efficacy of 0.2 percent glyceryl trinitrate suppository form in the healing of chronic anal fissure.

Methods: Thirty-four patients with symptomatic chronic anal fissures were assigned to 0.2 percent glyceryl trinitrate suppository (n = 21) or placebo (n = 13) in a double blind design. Patient's symptom scores were registered at first visit. A validated daily chart was given to assess their symptoms on a daily basis. Both groups received psyllium from the beginning of the study. They were assessed at two-week intervals for six weeks. Then, they started a washout period of one month and after that were crossed over for another six weeks. Chi-squared, t-tests, and analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis.

Results: Complete healing at six weeks was achieved in 12 of 21 patients (57 percent) in the glyceryl trinitrate group and 5 of 13 patients (38 percent) in the placebo (P < 0.05). The overall healing rates at the end of study were 15 of 21 (71 percent) vs. 11 of 13 (84 percent) in the glyceryl trinitrate and placebo groups, respectively (P > 0.05).

Conclusions: Application of 0.2 percent glyceryl trinitrate suppository form represents a new, promising, and effective treatment for chronic anal fissure.