A multicentric, randomized clinical trial of Gaviscon in reflux esophagitis.

Gaviscon tablets and the standard antacid proved equally effective in reducing the number of heartburn attacks. Chi-square tests revealed no significant difference between the two treatment groups at the end of weeks 1, 2, 3, or 4. Heartburn score was arrived at by multiplying heartburn incidence by heartburn severity. This heartburn score also indicated no significant difference between the two treatment groups at the end of the four weeks. Tabulation of the mean number of tablets consumed by patients in the two groups was made. There was no significant difference between the two groups in tablet consumption, indicating equal demand as well as equal compliance in the two groups. Esophagoscopy done before and after 28 days of treatment showed that Gaviscon and the standard antacid tablets were equally effective in each group. There was significant, and equal, decrease in the severity in the specific signs of esophagitis, friability, erosion, and ulceration in both treatment groups, as well as in such nonspecific signs as hyperemia, edema, and exudate. The validity and clinical acceptance of an alginic acid-containing agent, Gaviscon, which through a foaming action delivers a minimal dose of antacid directly at the site of acid irritation of the esophageal mucosa, has been confirmed in a multicentric, well-controlled randomized clinical trial.