Double-blind, placebo-controlled study of ranitidine for gastroesophageal reflux symptoms during pregnancy

doi:10.1016/S0029-7844(97)00126-9

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Volume 90, Issue 1, July 1997, Pages 83-87

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0029-7844(97)00126-9 Get rights and content

Objective

To determine whether ranitidine (Zantac) taken once or twice daily is effective for relieving symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux among pregnant women who had failed conservative measures.

Methods

Volunteers with heartburn despite antacids were sought among our obstetric clinic population for this double-blind, placebo-controlled, triple crossover trial. After a baseline week, 20 patients were randomized to receive the three following weekly regimens: ranitidine 150 mg twice daily, placebo in the morning and ranitidine 150 mg in the evening, or placebo twice daily. Daily scores on symptom diaries, global assessments, and number of antacids taken were compared among the 18 patients completing the study.

Results

The twice-daily dosage of ranitidine was the only regimen found to reduce heartburn symptoms when compared with the baseline (P < .001) or a placebo (P < .01). Compared with ranitidine taken once daily, the twice-daily dosing prompted less need for antacid tablets compared with the placebo (P < .05 versus P > .05) and to the baseline (P < .001 versus P < .05). The average reduction of heartburn severity using twice-daily ranitidine was 55.6% when compared with baseline (95% confidence interval [CI] 34.8%, 76.5%) and was 44.2% when compared with placebo (95% CI 15.4%, 72.9%).

Conclusion

This study indicates the efficacy of ranitidine 150 mg taken twice daily, rather than once daily, for relief of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms during pregnancy.

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View full text

Double-blind, placebo-controlled study of ranitidine for gastroesophageal reflux symptoms during pregnancy

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Gastroenterol Clin North Am

Gastrointest Endosc Clin North Am

Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology

Medication use during pregnancy by women delivering at a tertiary university hospital

South Med J