Pirenzepine in duodenal ulcer. A six week, double-blind study.

: Thirty-eight of forty patients satisfactorily concluded a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to study the effects of pirenzepine (100 mg/day) on duodenal ulcers. After six weeks of treatment 14 of 18 patients (78%) in the pirenzepine-treated group and 7 of 20 patients (35%) in the placebo groups were healed. There was a statistically significant difference (P less than 0.05). The relief of day-time and night-time pain was significantly greater in the pirenzepine-treated group. Pirenzepine-treated patients consumed significantly fewer antacid tablets. The tolerability of pirenzepine was good. Pirenzepine (100 mg/day for six weeks) should be an effective and safe treatment for duodenal ulcers.