Gastro-oesophageal reflux. Part 2: medical treatment.

INTRODUCTION AND

BACKGROUND

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a chronic disease characterised by retrograde movement of stomach contents into the oesophagus. It causes heartburn and oesophagitis and adversely affects quality of life. If left untreated it can lead to oesophageal stricture and carcinoma. The prevalence in Western countries is 30%. This paper presents a comparative review of the effectiveness of Omeprazole with Ranitidine for treatment of GORD.

METHODS

A search for English language studies on adults was conducted using three databases, MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of RCTs. Thirty relevant studies were included in the review.

FINDINGS: Omeprazole is more effective in controlling heartburn symptoms, healing oesophagitis, improving quality of life and preventing relapses than Ranitidine, but takes time to reach therapeutic effect. Ranitidine is more effective at relieving symptoms on an as required basis.

CONCLUSIONS

Nurses need to be aware of the effectiveness and use of these medications so that patients can make informed treatment choices and develop a greater understanding of the importance of concordance with prescriptions.