Sucralfate versus placebo treatment in duodenal and prepyloric ulcer: a clinical endoscopic, double-blind controlled investigation

Sucralfate, which has cytoprotective, pepsinostatic, antacid and bile acid-binding properties, was studied in a therapeutic trial against a placebo in patients with duodenal and prepyloric ulcer. The investigation was designed as a double-blind controlled study. Thirty-five patients with endoscopically verified ulcers were observed during 8 weeks of treatment. In 14 out of 17 (82%) patients treated with sucralfate the ulcers healed, as compared with 7 out of 18 (39%) in the placebo group, as compared with 7 out of 18 (39%) in the placebo group. In approximately 60% of sucralfate-treated patients all symptoms disappeared, as compared with approximately 30% in the placebo group. No significant side effects were detected, and compliance was good. Consequently, sucralfate represents as effective and safe treatment for duodenal ulcer.