Biomedical subjects

G Kagan

Publications and source records attributed to G Kagan.

12 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1984

Comparison of dicyclomine with antacid and without antacid in dyspepsia.

In a study of forty-two patients with dyspepsia, hiatus hernia or duodenal ulcer, dicyclomine (Merbentyl) has been demonstrated to be effective in the control of the symptoms of this disorder. Under double-blind conditions an antacid or placebo supplement was provided and no significant difference in benefit was recorded. The antacid was given in a large tablet and this preparation was more conscientiously taken by patients, and this was equally true for large placebo tablets. Clearly patients like to take frequent treatment for dyspepsia, but symptom control is quite adequate if Merbentyl is given alone.

Antacids↗

PubMed1982

Two lozenges containing benzocaine assessed in the relief of sore throat.

A study has been conducted in general practice comparing two brands of lozenges, Merocaine (Merrell) and Tyrozets, (M.S.D.), in the management of acute sore throat and pharyngitis. Eighty-eight patients entered the between-patient study and each completed a diary card covering symptoms experienced and dosage used for each of the two drugs. The doctor reported upon the appearance of the throat and added antibiotics in cases of necessity, which was approximately for one-third of patients. Merocaine proved to be significantly superior to Tyrozets in producing rapid pain relief (within 15 minutes) and reduction of faucial and pharyngeal injection.

Adult↗

PubMed1981

Flufenamic acid and placebo compared in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Forty patients in general practice with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis were identified as suffering from moderate pain and tenderness and moderate stiffness in excess of 30 minutes. After discontinuation of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for 2 weeks, a crossover study was conducted comparing the benefits of flufenamic acid, 100 mg, four times daily with placebo. At the same time, paracetamol at a dose up to 8 x 500 mg daily, could be used for pain which the patient judged to be unrelieved. Thirty-four patients completed the two 3-week test periods and twenty-one patients were improved in relation to morning stiffness and pain by flufenamic acid and twelve patients by placebo--a difference greater than would have occurred by chance (p = 0.05). At the same time, paracetamol consumption was reduced significantly fron a mean of 91.29 tablets to 60.68 tablets for each 3-week period. Side-effects occurred in ten patients on placebo and fifteen patients on flufenamic acid. One patient on each medication had to discontinue for multiple side-effects. Diarrhoea occurred in two patients on flufenamic acid and in one patient on placebo. Flufenamic acid is clearly effective and side-effects do not occur more often than would be expected by chance when compared with placebo.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗

PubMed1980

A double blind trial of terfenadine and placebo in hay fever using a substitution technique for non-responders.

A double-blind study of terfenadine and placebo in 110 patients suffering from hay fever (confirmed by skin tests) was conducted. A novel technique was applied using an escape envelope containing a reference drug which could be taken under controlled conditions if, after 48 hours, the patient experienced no relief. Significantly more patients on placebo opened the envelope than patients taking the active drug. Terfenadine was demonstrated to be an effective drug in hay fever and produced no more drowsiness than placebo.

Adult↗

PubMed1978

A controlled study of short-term treatment of tension headache.

A double-blind trial was carried out in 12 patients with chronic recurring tension headache to compare the effectiveness of treatment with an analgesic combination ("Syndol") and placebo. Treatment was confined to the period of an attack and the response in the 46 attacks studied showed that, in those of mild to moderate severity, significantly more patients had initial relief within 15 minutes after active treatment than after placebo, and significantly fewer tablets were required to produce complete remission of symptoms for more than 48 hours. The interval between attacks, however, was not significantly affected by active drug or placebo. Severe attacks, which occurred only in the periods assigned to active treatment, required significantly more tablets and a day longer for complete remission.

Acetaminophen↗

PubMed1977

A comparison of an antacid plus antispasmodic combination and aluminium hydroxide in dyspepsia.

A single-blind, between-patient comparative study was carried out in general practice to assess the effectiveness of antacid plus antispasmodic combination tablets (240 mg dried aluminium hydroxide B.P., 144 mg magnesium hydroxide B.P.C., and 5 mg dicyclomine hydrochloride B.P.) and aluminium hydroxide B.P. tablets (500 mg) in the management of chronic dyspepsia. Twenty patients received the combination tablets and 17 the single antacid tablets. They were instructed to chew 2 tablets 3 or 4-times daily and an additional 2 tablets at night if necessary. Patients were assessed initially, and then at 2 and 4 weeks. Both preparations were effective in controlling dyspeptic symptoms. Heartburn and nausea showed an early, significantly greater (p less than 0.05) response to the combined tablet, as did night pain after 4 weeks. Tablet intake of both preparations averaged out at just under 7 tablets per day.

Aluminum Hydroxide↗

PubMed1976

Double-blind trial of a long-acting bronchodilator preparation ("Nethaprin Dospan") in bronchospastic disease.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study was carried out in 48 patients with bronchospastic disease to assess the efficacy of a long-acting bronchodilator preparation ("Nethaprin Dospan") containing etafedrine hydrochloride, bufylline, doxylamine succinate and phenylephrine. Patients received 1 tablet nightly, with an extra dose in the morning if necessary, of active drug or placebo for 1 week, and were then crossed over to the alternative medication for a further week. All patients had marked disability, apparent on initial clinical examination and on respiratory function tests. The results showed that FEV1 and VC were significantly improved with the active medication, and patients slept better, had improved appetite and suppression of cough.

Asthma↗

PubMed1974