Reduction in gastric mucosal hemorrhage and ulceration with chronic high-level dosing of enteric-coated aspirin granules two and four times a day

When administered on a chronic high-dosage regimen, enteric-coated aspirin granules produced significantly less gastric damage than plain aspirin or aspirin-antacid combinations. Clinically meaningful damage occurred in all subjects receiving plain aspirin, 93% of those receiving aspirin-antacid combination and only 27% and 20% of those receiving enteric-coated aspirin granules qid and bid, respectively. All three aspirin formulations were taken as 1 g qid (4 g/day) and an additional group received enteric granules administered as 2 g bid (4 g/day). Gastric damage was assessed by means of endoscopy carried out after seven days of treatment. Enteric granules are equally safe when administered on a bid or qid regimen (at same total daily dosage) and, in a bid regimen, should provide a compliance advantage for patients on high-dose therapy for diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.Address for reprint requests: Procter & Gamble, Professional Services Division, P.O. Box 86, Cincinnati, Ohio 45201.