Abstract

Eighty-six patients with duodenal ulcer were treated in a multicentre controlled trial with carbenoxolone capsules (Duogastrone, 50 mg four times a day for six weeks) or a placebo. Sixty-nine patients accepted endoscopy at the beginning and end of the treatment. Symptomatic responses and endoscopic improvement were significantly greater in those receiving the active preparation than in those receiving the control capsules, complete, endoscopically assessed, healing being achieved in 65% and 20%, respectively, of individuals having accepted endoscopy, after six weeks' treatment. Side-effects of salt and water retention or hypokalaemia were noted in over a quarter of those receiving the carbenoxolone capsules, but none of the adverse effects was severe enough to necessitate withdrawal of treatment.