Effect of ranitidine on resting pressure and pentagastrin response of human lower esophageal sphincter.

The effect on the lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) of a new H2-receptor antagonist, ranitidine, has been tested during manometry in normal man. Basal tone and LES pentagastrin response were not significantly different after oral ranitidine administration in 10 healthy subjects. No significant variation of LESP was observed in six additional patients during 1 mg/kg body wt ranitidine infusion as compared to placebo. These results show that despite the difference in chemical structure and a greater inhibitory effect on gastric secretion, ranitidine, like cimetidine, does not alter resting pressure or LES response to pentagastrin in man. Ranitidine may therefore benefit patients with gastroesophageal reflux.