Validity of high-dose ranitidine treatment (300 mg b.i.d.) in clinical practice: an open study in 68 consecutive cases of severe peptic disease.

Ranitidine, at doses of 300 mg b.i.d., brings about a pronounced inhibition of both daytime and nocturnal acid secretion. The aim of the present open study, conducted in 68 patients with peptic lesions of the upper gastrointestinal tract, was to assess whether or not ranitidine at 300 mg b.i.d. for 4 weeks was capable of healing these lesions, which had failed to respond to treatment with H2-antagonists at standard doses, even when administered over fairly lengthy periods (greater than 8 weeks). The results obtained show that the 300 mg b.i.d. regimen yields a marked gain in terms of healing of lesions and relief of symptoms (achieved in roughly 80% of cases), accompanied by excellent tolerance. It is concluded that a double dose of ranitidine is clinically justified in particular cases.