The following information is obtained from various newswires, published medical journal articles, and medical conference presentations. An additional 8-week treatment with Protonix may be considered if healing has not commenced after the first 8 week treatment period. Esophagitis may be caused by irritation of the esophagus due to acid reflux from the stomach to the esophagus.
Erosive esophagitis can be a precursor to more serious esophageal diseases.
All three dosages yielded significantly better healing rates than the placebo. The 40 mg dose resulted in better healing rates than the 20 mg or 10 mg doses. Patients taking the 40 mg dose experienced complete cessation of heartburn and consumed significantly fewer antacid tablets per day starting on the first day of treatment. Nizatidine is a histamine H2-blocker indicated for ulcers and other gastric disorders. Results of this study indicated that both doses of Protonix yielded significantly superior rates of healing at both 4 and 8 weeks compared with the twice daily dose of nizatidine.