[Assessment of microsomal enzyme function in liver of patients with duodenal ulcer treated with famotidine].

The liver microsomal enzymes activity was measured by aminopyrine breath test in 20 subjects with duodenal ulcer disease treated with famotidine for 8 weeks. Aminopyrine breath test was performed, before treatment (group I), after 4 weeks of therapy (group II) and after 8 weeks of treatment with famotidine (group III). The mean aminopyrine breath test value before treatment was 5.32% dose/h. After 4 weeks of treatment with famotidine statistically significant decrease of breath test values (x = 4.79% dose/h) was found. More strong microsomal enzymes inhibition was found after 8 weeks of famotidine therapy (x = 4.46% dose/h). These data indicate an inhibitory effect of famotidine on liver monooxygenases activity. In patients taking this drug, treatment with other drugs metabolised in liver and with drugs inhibiting the microsomal system must be very cautions.