The effect of ranitidine on symptom relief and quality of life of patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

A 4-week study involving 354 patients with the symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease was conducted to assess the effect of ranitidine (as effervescent tablets) on their relief and quality of life. All patients received 150 mg bd for 2 weeks, with those responding to treatment continuing on the same dosage for a further 2-week period and 'non-responders' having the dosage increased to 150 mg qds for a further 2 weeks. Quality of life and symptom assessments were carried out at 0, 2 and 4 weeks. Two weeks' treatment with ranitidine 150 mg bd was effective at controlling the GORD symptoms in 78% of patients. A 4-week treatment with either 150 mg bd or qds controlled the symptoms in 85% of patients. All patients had significant improvements in all dimensions of their quality of life over the study period.