Comparative study of Riflux Forte and Riflux in cases of reflux oesophagitis.

In an open, randomised, comparative study of 68 endoscopically proven cases of reflux oesophagitis, one antacid with relatively high acid-neutralising capacity (Riflux Forte) and another with lower acid-neutralising capacity (Riflux) were compared. Except for a relatively higher number of cases of severe oesophagitis in the Riflux Forte group (31 vs 19), the patient populations were homogeneous. A consistent trend of rapid and increased diminution in severity of symptoms was seen with both Riflux and Riflux Forte. Although differences between the two groups were not statistically significant, the trend towards a better response was reflected in symptomatic improvement (score difference 14.2 vs 12.0 between one and eight weeks), percentage improvement (93.0 vs 83.7), global assessment (2.9 vs 2.7) and oesophagitis grading on endoscopic assessment (2.5 vs 1.9). These data indicate that, while Riflux and Riflux Forte will produce equivalent results in cases of mild to moderate reflux oesophagitis, the additional acid-neutralising capacity of Riflux Forte provides it with the potential to be more useful in severe cases.

Comparative study of alginate and non-alginate antacids concurrently administered with H2 antagonists in cases of duodenal ulcer.

In an open comparative study in endoscopically proven cases of duodenal ulcer, concomitant therapy of H2 antagonist was initiated in two randomly allocated, homogenous patient groups, ie, H2 A + RF alginate antacid (Riflux Forte, Sol Pharmaceuticals Ltd) or H2 A + S non-alginate antacid (Siloxogene, Searle Ltd), both Riflux Forte and Siloxogene having similar compositions of antacids. Overall clinical assessment, percentage improvement, assessment of individual clinical symptoms, global assessment and endoscopic assessment all showed that Riflux Forte and Siloxogene together with H2 antagonist are significantly effective in providing a progressive symptomatic relief in duodenal ulcer cases over an evaluable period of eight weeks. Although differences between Riflux Forte and Siloxogene were not statistically significant, a definite trend of more rapid and favourable responses was seen with Riflux Forte, demonstrating the role played by therapy in preventing reflux and stopping the acid pain cycle.

Effect of clofazimine and dapsone on rifampicin (Lositril) pharmacokinetics in multibacillary and paucibacillary leprosy cases.

A comparative pharmacokinetic study of Lositril (rifampicin) was carried out in six multibacillary and twelve paucibacillary leprosy cases. The type of leprosy had no significant effect on rifampicin pharmacokinetics. The effect of dapsone and clofazimine when given separately and in combination was studied on rifampicin pharmacokinetics in each group of six patients. Within group comparison revealed that clofazimine reduced rifampicin absorption significantly (P less than 0.01) and prolonged the time to reach the peak serum concentration (P less than 0.01). Since MCR and Ke were also reduced significantly in RC group, as compared with RDC group (P less than 0.02 and P less than 0.05 respectively), no significant alteration was seen in overall Auc and Cmax, although t0.05 was increased significantly (P less than 0.02) in RC Group. Dapsone alone did not produce any significant alteration in rifampicin pharmacokinetics parameters, while dapsone with clofazimine reduced rifampicin 1h serum levels (P less than 0.05) and Auc (P less than 0.05) significantly. Of the three groups, except RC group, both RDC and RD groups were homogeneous Ka, avd, Cmax and Auc/t0.5 ratio of RC group were significantly different from those in RD group. While Ka and avd were significantly less (P less than 0.05 and less than 0.001 respectively) and Cmax and Auc/t0.5 ratio were significantly more (P less than 0.01) in RC group. Since clofazimine reduced rifampicin absorption, the difference in Ka and tp became more significant in the post-regimen phase (P less than 0.01).

A trial of multiple choice examination in pharmacology.

An account is given of the introduction of MCQ in an Indian Medical institution in 1974/75. Preliminary results suggest that the reliability coefficient of MCQs rises with their difficulty, and that Pearson-type coefficient indicates a higher degree of correlation with essay marks than do Spearman coefficients. A 'student assessment response' taken with standard item analysis technique may be of value in assessing questions for future use.

Anticonvulsant action of thiabendazole.

Thiabendazole was found to be specifically effective against maximal electroshock seizures in albino rats. It produced a significant dose-dependent decrease in the duration of the tonic extensor phase of hind legs. The ED50 was similar for oral or s.c. administration. PTZ-induced convulsions were unaffected by lower doses but aggravated by the higher dose studied.