Famotidine versus cimetidine in the treatment of acute duodenal ulcer. Double-blind, randomized clinical trial comparing nocturnal administration of 40 mg famotidine to 800 mg cimetidine

The efficacy of famotidine, a potent new long-acting H2 receptor antagonist, was compared with cimetidine in 78 patients with endoscopically proven acute duodenal ulcers. Additional antacid self-medication was allowed if needed for relief of pain. Thirty-nine patients were allocated to each group, receiving a nocturnal oral dose of either 40 mg famotidine or 800 mg cimetidine. Patients were reassessed by endoscopy at 2, 4 and 6 weeks if ulcer healing had not occurred at the respective earlier control date. A diary was kept to record the duration and intensity of day and night pain and the amount of antacids ingested. After 2 and 4 weeks of treatment healing rates were not significantly different for either group (famotidine 31 and 95%, cimetidine 23 and 85%, respectively). Pain relief was rapid in both treatment groups with a tendency for better response of nighttime pain in famotidine-treated patients. Antacid consumption was not different in either group. Famotidine appears to be an effective treatment for acute duodenal ulcer. Compared to cimetidine, healing rates and relief of pain are not significantly different.