Oesophageal ulceration due to emepronium bromide

Four cases of oesophageal damage associated with ingestion of the urinary anti-spasmodic agent emepronium bromide are described. All the patients presented with severe retrosternal pain worsened by swallowing food and drink, and in every case fibre-optic endoscopy revealed ulceration of the midoesophagus. Symptoms disappeared rapidly following cessation of emepromium bromide therapy. The means whereby this agent might injure oseophageal mucosa are discussed.