Neuromodulators for GERD-Associated Cough Refractory to Reflux Therapy

Patients with reflux and cough refractory to reflux therapy benefited from gabapentin.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common causes of chronic, unexplained cough. Despite the established association, and even in the face of a positive ambulatory pH test, the cough often does not respond to acid-suppressing therapy, and prokinetic agents and neuromodulators are often suggested as a next step.

This study compared gabapentin (a pure neuromodulator) with baclofen (a prokinetic with neuromodulator effect) in 217 patients with established GERD who had a cough that had not responded to an 8-week course of omeprazole (twice daily) and domperidone (10 mg 3 times daily). There was no difference in cough resolution between the gabapentin and baclofen recipients — roughly 55% for each group. Gabapentin had fewer…

Reviewing Author

Kenneth R. DeVault, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardPhathom Pharmaceuticals

Grant/Research SupportIronwood Pharmaceuticals

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Education Universe (Co-Editor)

Kenneth R. DeVault, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardPhathom Pharmaceuticals

Grant/Research SupportIronwood Pharmaceuticals

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Education Universe (Co-Editor)

Neuromodulators for GERD-Associated Cough Refractory to Reflux Therapy

Topics

Reviewing Author