Metoclopramide in the treatment of reflux oesophagitis: a comparison of normal and controlled-release formulations.

Twenty patients with reflux oesophagitis were recruited into a randomized, single (investigator)-blind, two-part crossover study of controlled-release metoclopramide ('Gastrobid Continus' tablets) 15 mg given twice daily, and normal-release metoclopramide ('Maxolon'), 10 mg given 4-times daily. Both treatment regimens were efficacious in reducing the severity of heartburn, the incidence of waking at night due to pain from heartburn and the severity of gastro-intestinal symptoms. The incidence of volunteered and sought side-effects/symptoms was similar on both treatments. More patients preferred the controlled-release than the normal-release formulation. It is concluded that 15 mg controlled-release metoclopramide twice daily and 10 mg normal-release metoclopramide 4-times daily are equally effective and well-tolerated treatment regimens, but that the controlled-release formulation has the advantage of a smaller dose and twice daily administration.