Pirenzepine

Pirenzepine is a medication that belongs to the class of antimuscarinic drugs. It is primarily used in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease and to decrease gastric acid secretion. Pirenzepine was first synthesized in the 1970s by the German pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim.

Etymology

The name "Pirenzepine" is derived from its chemical structure. The prefix "piren-" is derived from "pyridine", referring to the pyridine ring in its structure. The suffix "-zepine" is common in tricyclic compounds, which Pirenzepine is a part of.

Pharmacology

Pirenzepine acts by blocking muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the stomach, thereby reducing the secretion of gastric acid. It is selective for the M1 subtype of these receptors, which are primarily found in the stomach and brain. This selectivity makes Pirenzepine less likely to cause side effects related to the blockade of muscarinic receptors in other parts of the body.

Clinical Use

Pirenzepine is used in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. It can be used alone or in combination with other drugs such as proton pump inhibitors or H2 receptor antagonists. Pirenzepine is also used in some countries for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Pirenzepine are dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation. These are related to its antimuscarinic effects. Less common side effects include urinary retention, tachycardia, and confusion.

Related Terms

• Antimuscarinic
• Peptic ulcer disease
• Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor
• Proton pump inhibitor
• H2 receptor antagonist
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease

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