Abstract: AIM: To observe the efficacy and side effects of interferon α-1b ( interferon) combined with oxymatrine in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. METHODS: 87 patients were randomly divided into two groups: 45 patients in treatment group were given interferon 30 μg ·d^-1( im) for 4 wk, then 30 μg ·d^-1 ( im, qod) combined with oxymatrine 600 mg·d^-1( im) for 3 mon; 42 patients in control group were given the same dose of interferon as above only. After completion of therapy, liver function and markers of HBVM were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The rates of ALT decreased to normal range in treatment group and control group were 88. 9 % and 60 %, respectively ( P <0. 05). The rate of HBeAg turned to negative was 55. 6 % in treatment group and 35. 7 % in control group; the rate of HBV-DNA turned to negative was 57. 8 % in treatment group and 42. 9 % in control group ( P <0. 05). Side effects were not found in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Interferon α-1b combined with oxymatrine can improve liver function and inhibit HBV replication. It suggests that the combination may be a scheme in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B.

Key words: interferon α-1b, oxymatrine, chronic hepatitis B, side effects