Adding Alginates to PPIs for Breakthrough GERD Symptoms

Randomized, controlled trial findings do not support a previously reported benefit.

Although proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most effective pharmacologic treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the reported prevalence of breakthrough symptoms ranges from 30% to 60% in community-based studies. The use of an alginate-antacid formulation (Gaviscon Double Action; GDA) as an “add-on” to PPI therapy was shown effective in this setting in one previous randomized trial. Now, researchers in Europe have conducted two additional randomized, placebo-controlled trials — one exploratory (52 patients) and one confirmatory (262 patients) — of this formulation.

Patients with GERD who had insufficient heartburn/regurgitation control despite use of a once-daily PPI were randomized to GDA or placebo 30 minutes after meals a…

Reviewing Author

David A. Johnson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory boardMedscape/WebMD; Pfizer; CRH Medical Corporation; Aries

EquityCRH Medical Corporation

Editorial boardsMedscape Gastroenterology

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Research Institute Board of Directors