THE INFLUENCE OF POSTURE ON THE GASTRIC-EMPTYING OF ANTACIDS

The gastric emptying of 2 radiolabeled antacid preparations was monitored by .gamma. scintigraphy with subjects in 3 postures: supine; lying on their left sides; and lying on their right sides. Al(OH)3- and alginate-based formulations were radiolabeled with 113mIn and administered to healthy volunteers following a liquid meal. The antacid containing Al(OH)3 mixed and emptied with the other stomach contents. The raft-forming alginate formulation emptied faster than the food in subjects lying on their left sides and slower in subjects lying on their right sides. The protection afforded by alginate-based preparations in the treatment of esophageal reflux may be strongly influenced by posture.