Antacids vs Placebos in Peptic Ulcer Therapy

Abstract

The ability of an antacid preparation to relieve discomfort and to promote healing of peptic ulceration was compared to a placebo in a controlled double-blind outpatient study. Antacids were more effective than placebos in the promotion of healing (P=.04) and relief of discomfort (P=.03) of gastric ulcerations. In duodenal ulceration, a trend in favor of antacid therapy was found with respect to promotion of healing and relief of peptic discomfort. This trend, however, was not statistically significant (P>.15).