A randomised, open label, controlled trial on the effect of interferon plus amantadine compared with interferon alone for treatment of chronic hepatitis C.

BACKGROUND: Combination of the antiviral drug amantadine with interferon (IFN) may be more effective than IFN monotherapy for treatment of chronic hepatitis C. METHODS: We randomised 93 patients with chronic hepatitis C to IFNIFN 6 MU 3 times/week for 24 weeks, followed by IFN 3 MU 3 times/week for further 24 weeks given in combination with amantadine 100 mg t.i.

A controlled randomised trial of t-UDCA as adjuvant to interferon for treatment of chronic hepatitis C: an interferon sparing effect of t-UDCA.

BACKGROUND: Combination of the cytoprotective effect of tauro-ursodeoxycholic acid (t-UDCA) with the antiviral effect of interferon may be more effective than interferon alone for treatment of chronic hepatitis C. METHODS: We randomised 106 patients with chronic hepatitis C to interferon 3 MU/m(2)/3 times per week given alone (regimen A, n=51) or in combination with t-UDCA 10 mg/kg/day (regimen B, n=55) for 6 months followed by IFN dose tapering for further 6 months. Control liver biopsies were obtained 6 months after stopping treatment.