Comparison between ranitidine, cimetidine, pirenzepine and placebo in the short term treatment of duodenal ulcer.

The therapeutic efficacy of ranitidine, pirenzepine, cimetidine and placebo in the 28 day treatment of duodenal ulcer was evaluated through an open randomized study performed in 120 patients. At the end of treatment, ranitidine, pirenzepine and cimetidine demonstrated a significantly higher efficacy on ulcer healing as well as on symptom relief in comparison with placebo (P less than 0.05). Data regarding cimetidine and ranitidine failed to reveal significant differences: pirenzepine, on the contrary, when compared with both the H2 blockers employed showed a slower effect on symptom disappearance. As far as functional data are concerned, placebo administration did not induce any variation of secretory or gastrinemic behaviour: on the contrary, after the end of ranitidine and cimetidine treatment a significant decrease of BAO and of MAO were found, failing to reveal any serum gastrin variation. After pirenzepine therapy no differences in the acid secretory behaviour were seen, while a significant increase of fasting gastrinemia was observed.