Lansoprazole provided more effective and faster relief for heartburn than did omeprazole in erosive esophagitis.

P a t i e n t s 3510 patients who were ≥ 18 years of age (mean age 47 y, 57% men), had endoscopically confirmed erosive esophagitis ≥ grade 2, and had had ≥ 1 episode of moderate-tovery-severe heartburn during the previous 3 days or nights, or both. Exclusion criteria included duodenal or gastric ulcers ≥ 3 mm in diameter; systemic disease affecting the esophagus; history of gastrointestinal bleeding or gastric, duodenal, or esophageal surgery; and long-term use of ulcerogenic drugs. 96% of patients completed the study.