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Clinical effectiveness of a new antacid chewing gum on heartburn and oesophageal pH control
Author(s) -
Collings K. L.,
RodriguezStanley S.,
Proskin H. M.,
Robinson M.,
Miner P. B.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
alimentary pharmacology and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.308
H-Index - 177
eISSN - 1365-2036
pISSN - 0269-2813
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2036.2002.01380.x
Subject(s) - antacid , heartburn , medicine , placebo , meal , volunteer , gastroenterology , reflux , alternative medicine , disease , pathology , agronomy , biology
Summary Background : Oesophageal acid neutralization with antacids depends on the duration of oesophageal antacid exposure and acid neutralizing capacity. A gum that releases antacid as it is chewed could take advantage of both mechanisms to enhance heartburn relief. Methods : Twenty‐four subjects were crossed over to four regimens: placebo, chewable antacid tablets (1000 mg CaCO 3 ), lower dose gum (600 mg CaCO 3 ) and higher dose gum (900 mg CaCO 3 ). A dual pH probe was placed, subjects ate a standardized provocative meal and self‐dosed once as needed. Symptoms were recorded every 15 min using visual analogue and Likert scales. Results : Symptoms : Both gums decreased heartburn compared to placebo for 120 min. Higher dose gum decreased heartburn more than chewable antacids up to 120 min post‐dose. pH : Active chewable antacid and gums immediately increased oesophageal pH, with significant improvement 15–30 min post‐dose. Summary: (i) both gums promptly decreased heartburn and elevated oesophageal pH; (ii) both gums provided sustained relief for 120 min; (iii) antacid gums provided faster and more prolonged symptom relief and pH control than chewable antacids. Conclusions : Calcium carbonate gum effectively neutralizes oesophageal acidity and relieves symptoms following a meal, and is superior to chewable antacids in terms of the duration of heartburn relief.