The early effect of trimipramine (Surmontil) on gastric secretion in man

The early effect of the trycyclic and antidepressive compound trimipramine (Surmontil; Pharma Rhodia) was examined in 10 patients with dyspeptic complaints. The gastric secretion was examined twice for one hour before, and one hour after, intramuscular injection of 1 mg histalog per kg body weight. In random order trimipramine was given perorally as two 50 mg tablets 3 hours before one of the gastric secretion tests. A significant decrease was found in volume and acid output of basal secretion after the peroral dose of trimipramine. The concentration and output of acid as well as the concentration of pepsin were significantly altered. After stimulation with histalog a significant reduction was found for volume and acid output, whereas the output of pepsin was unchanged. The reduction of acid secretion and volume could be ascribed to an anticholinergic effect of the drug.