Does misoprostol given as a single large dose improve its antisecretory effect?

SUMMARYH2‐receptor antagonists have been shown to be effective in the suppression of nocturnal acidity. This double‐blind, randomized, crossover Latin‐square study of 24‐h intragastric pH in 12 normal volunteers investigated the effect of large single‐dose administration of misoprostol on intragastric acidity. Efficacy of 800 μg misoprostol h.s., 600 μg h.s., 400 μg h.s. and 800 μg after supper was compared to placebo and 200 μg misoprostol q.d.s. Twenty‐four hour mean pH ± s.d. was placebo 2.1 ± 0.3, misoprostol 200 μg q.d.s. Twenty‐four hour mean pH ± s.d. was placebo 2.1 ± 0.3, misoprostol 200 μg q.d.s. 2.2 ± 0.3, 800 μg p.m. 2.6 ± 1.1, 400 μg h.s. 2.6 ± 0.7, 600 μg h.s. 2.6 ± 0.4, 800 μg h.s. 2.6 ± 0.5. The effect of misoprostol on gastric acidity was short and limited to the nocturnal period. Only misoprostol 800 μg and 600 μg reduced 24‐h acidity compared to placebo (P < 0.04).

Does misoprostol given as a single large dose improve its antisecretory effect? Journal Articles