Advertisement for Zantac

EDITOR, - I am concerned by the advertisement for Zantac that has appeared in the BMJ.1 It reads: “It's an effective treatment. Successfully healing both duodental and gastric ulcers. But, used as prophylaxis, Zantac can actually prevent NSAID-associated duodenal ulcers. In fact it's the only H2 licensed to do this.”

The most likely site of any damage to the gastrointestinal tract associated with the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is the gastric mucosa and not the duodenum.2 The British National Formulary states, “Therapy [with H2 antagonists] can promote the healing of NSAID-associated ulcers but there is no proof that the ulcer complications are prevented.”3 Zantac is licensed for prophylaxis against …