[Treatment of reflux oesophagitis with cimetidine (author's transl)].

The effect of cimetidine on reflux oesophagitis was studied in a double-blind trial. Sixteen patients were given cimetidine 1.6 g/d, 20 patients received a placebo. Within the first six weeks the oesophagitis improved both on cimetidine and the placebo, but the patients taking the former had fewer complaints during the day than those on a placebo. Continuing the regimen for another six weeks further improved the endoscopic findings in patients with cimetidine but not in those on placebos. Complaints lessened during the sixth to twelfth week during cimetidine treatment, but remained unchanged under placebo administration. Complete healing of the oesophagitis was achieved in only 33% of patients with uncomplicated oesophagitis (grade I-III) and in 6% of those with severe complicated oesophagitis (grade IV). If non-surgical treatment is indicated, it must be continued through at least 6-12 weeks.