EFFECTS OF MORNING AND OR EVENING ADMINIS TRATION OF EFFERVESCENT CALCIUM CARBASALATE GIVEN AT A DOSE-EQUIVALENT TO 160 MG ASPIRIN DAILY ONGASTRODUODENAL TOLERABILITY/

The aim of this randomised cross-over trial was to compare the gastrod uodenal tolerability and anti-aggregating effect of effervescent calci um carbasalate (ECC equivalent to 160 mg aspirin) given once daily eit her in the morning or in the evening. Twelve healthy volunteers receiv ed calcium carbasalate for 2 periods of 5 days (21 days of wash-out be tween the 2 periods). The principal criterion was the gastroduodenal t olerability assessed by the total number of lesions at upper gastro-in testinal endoscopy. The same treatment-blinded endoscopist performed a ll evaluations. Efficacy was evaluated by thromboxane B-2 measurement and collagen - induced platelet aggregation tests. No difference was o bserved between morning and evening administration of ECC on gastroduo denal tolerability and platelet agregation, ECC was very well tolerate d as assessed by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and almost totally i nhibited platelet aggregation.