A Comparison of an Anion Exchange Resin and Aluminum Hydroxide Gel in the Treatment of Peptic Ulcer

Abstract

Summary While an antacid is not considered a specific therapeutic measure for peptic ulcer it has long been recognized as an important adjunct. Previously the anion exchange resin has been found to reduce the acidity and inactivate pepsin of the gastric and duodenal contents in both ulcer and non-ulcer subjects. This effect was comparable to a modified Sippy powder and aluminum hydroxide gel, if a sufficiently large dose of the resin was used. Gastric emptying time was not affected and rebound in gastric acidity did not occur. By the present study we hoped to determine whether the clinical effectiveness of the resin in the treatment of peptic ulcer was equal to that of aluminum hydroxide gel without producing undesirable side effects. It appears that healing occurs at approximately the same rate and in approximately the same proportion of patients taking the resin as in those taking the aluminum hydroxide gel. In both groups symptomatic relief occurred in about one-third of the ulcer healing time as noted by roentgen study. The most outstanding side-effect was constipation which occurred in the patients taking aluminum hydroxide gel. While nausea and belching were additional side effects of the resin, and distention and fullness of the aluminum hydroxide gel, these were not sufficiently troublesome to warrant interruption of the therapy. In both groups a relationship was found between ulcer size, gastric acidity and healing time, but not between the healing time and the patient's age or length of ulcer history.