Ranitidine has been found to be effective in the healing of gastric and duodenal ulcers and the maintenance of healed duodenal ulcers. Therefore, Sue et al hypothesized that the drug would also be effective in the maintenance of healed gastric ulcers.

The investigators designed a 48-week, placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind, multicenter trial to compare the effects of ranitidine 150 mg administered at bedtime with those of placebo for the maintenance of healed gastric ulcers.

The study participants underwent endoscopies at baseline, and after 12, 24, 36, and 48 weeks of treatment.

• The recurrence rates of gastric ulcer at each endoscopy were noted to be significantly lower in those who received ranitidine (5%, 13%, 16%, and 19%, respectively), compared to those given placebo (20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%, respectively).
• Ranitidine was also more effective in the maintenance of healed gastric ulcers irrespective of prior gastric ulcer history, smoking status, age (<65 vs ≥ 65 years), or sex.
• No significant differences were evident between the two groups in the number of patients experiencing adverse events or laboratory abnormalities.

To conclude, ranitidine 150 mg given at bedtime appeared to be safe and effective for the maintenance of healed gastric ulcers.

Source: Sue SO, Dawson DM, Brown JAJ, et al. Effectiveness of ranitidine 150 mg at bedtime as maintenance therapy for healed gastric ulcers. Clin Ther. 1996;18(6):1175-83.