Sherbaniuk et al conducted a multicenter, double-blind study to compare the effects of ranitidine and placebo in 73 patients with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux.

All patients had moderate to severe symptoms alongside abnormal endoscopic and/or microscopic appearance of the mucosa.

• After six weeks of therapy, 46% of patients treated with ranitidine had a one-grade improvement in the symptom of regurgitation, in comparison with 19% patients treated with placebo (p <0.01).
• About 61% of patients treated with ranitidine had endoscopic improvement compared to 48% patients treated with placebo (p <0.05).
• Histological improvement was noted in a similar and small proportion of patients treated with ranitidine and placebo
• There appeared to be no correlation between clinical, endoscopic, and histological improvement.
• Treatment with ranitidine was maintained for up to 12 months. Patients continued to be free of regurgitation or pain with a trend towards further improvement in the endoscopic or histopathologic appearance of the esophagus.

The investigators stated that ranitidine 150 mg twice daily is recommended for relief of symptoms and to improve endoscopic appearance of the esophagus.

Treatment should be given for at least 6 weeks, and may be continued for up to 12 months if the symptoms persist or return.

Source: Sherbaniuk R, Wensel R, Bailey R, et al. Ranitidine in the treatment of symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease. J Clin Gastroenterol. 1984;6(1):9-15.