A controlled trial of carbenoxolone sodium capsules in the treatment of duodenal ulcer.

Carbenoxolone sodium is an effective agent promoting the healing of chronic gastric ulcers (Doll, Hill, Hutton, and Underwood, 1962; Doll, Hill, and Hutton, 1965; Horwich and Galloway, 1965; Turpie and Thomson, 1965). The drug is readily absorbed from the stomach and is largely excreted in bile (Iveson, Parke, and Williams, 1966). It is believed to have a local effect on the gastric mucosa through its strong affinity for mucus, and there is indirect evidence that it may enhance mucus secretion (Goodier, Horwich, and Galloway, 1967; Dean, 1968). When administered in tablet form it has no demonstrable effect on the course of duodenal ulceration. Preliminary radiological experiments with a positioned-release capsule' suggested that rupture could consistently be obtained as the capsule passed through the pylorus, releasing its contents into the duodenum (Galloway, 1968). Good short-term results were reported by Craig, Hunt, Kimerling, and Park (1967) with the use of these capsules in duodenal ulcer. We report our findings in a controlled trial of 44 patients with duodenal ulcer followed up for six months.