Embargoed for Release Until: Sunday, October 11, 1998, 6:00 p.m. Contact: Dana Victor Montenegro 202/973-5871 or [email protected]
New Study Finds Common Medicines Used to Treat Heartburn Work Best with Breakfast
October 11, 1998, Boston, MA -- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), one of the most effective treatments for heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), work best when taken with breakfast, according to a study presented at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG).
Dr. Donald Castell, Dr. Philip Katz and Dr. J.G. Hatlebakk of the Allegheny University Hospitals, Graduate in Philadelphia found that the majority of subjects had better control of stomach acid when a PPI was taken 15 minutes before breakfast compared to those who took it without eating breakfast. The researchers explain this difference based on the theory that PPIs selectively inactivate only those molecules that are actively secreting acid. Therefore, eating breakfast makes the PPIs more efficient because it stimulates acid secretion.
The open study examined 18 healthy volunteers after they had taken omeprazole 20mg or lansoprazole 30mg each morning for two separate periods of seven days. During one period it was taken 15 minutes before breakfast, during the other period taken without breakfast, in randomized order. An 8-hour intragastric pH monitoring was used on the seventh day of each regimen to test gastric acidity.
Acid reflux occurs when the muscular valve at the lower end of the esophagus malfunctions, allowing a backward flow of acid from the stomach to the esophagus. Chronic acid reflux can signal a more serious medical condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. If left untreated, GERD can cause serious complications such as severe chest pain, esophageal stricture (a narrowing or obstruction of the esophagus), bleeding, asthma-like symptoms, or a rare pre-malignant condition called Barrett's esophagus.
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The ACG was formed in 1932 to advance the scientific study and medical treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. The College promotes the highest standards in medical education and is guided by its commitment to meeting the needs of clinical gastroenterology practitioners.
Consumers can get more information on GI diseases through the following ACG-sponsored programs:
-- 1-800-978-7666 (free brochures on common GI disorders, including ulcers, colon cancer, gallstones and liver disease)
-- 1-800-HRT-BURN (free brochure and video on heartburn and GERD)
-- www.acg.gi.org (ACG's web site)
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