Ranitidine, a histamine-2-antagonist (H2 antagonist), is known to inhibit intragastric acidity and has a potential role in healing erosive esophagitis.^1,2

A study by Euler et al compared two ranitidine dosage regimens for the treatment of erosive esophagitis.³ This multicenter, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study included adult patients with endoscopically confirmed erosive esophagitis. A total of 106 participants were treated with ranitidine 150 mg four times a day, while another 106 received ranitidine 300 mg four times a day. Another 116 participants were given placebo. The duration of treatment was up to 12 weeks. Patients were also advised to follow lifestyle modifications.

Healing of erosive esophagitis, as identified by endoscopy, was noted in 69% and 62% of ranitidine-treated patients by week 8 and in 79% and 74% patients by 12 weeks (150 mg and 300 mg, respectively). Healing was evident in 28% of placebo-treated patients by 8 weeks and 40% patients by 12 weeks. Onset of heartburn relief was noted within 24 hours of initiating either of the two ranitidine dosages, and relief persisted throughout the 12-week study period. Ranitidine had a similar safety profile as that of placebo.

Ranitidine therapy given four times a day was found to be effective in healing erosive esophagitis and was shown to relieve the symptoms.

References

1. Grimley CE, Constantinides S, Snell CC, et al. Inhibition of intragastric acidity in healthy subjects dosed with ranitidine 75 mg: a comparative study with cimetidine and placebo. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 1997 Oct;11(5):875-9.
2. Silver MT, Murdock Jr RH, Morrill BB, Sue SO. Ranitidine 300 mg twice daily and 150 mg four-times daily are effective in healing erosive oesophagitis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 1996;10(3):373–80.
3. Euler AR, Murdock Jr RH, Wilson TH, et al. Ranitidine is effective therapy for erosive esophagitis. Am J Gastroenterol. 1993 Apr;88(4):520-4.