The effect of trimipramine (Surmontil) on the gastric secretion of acid and pepsin in patients with duodenal ulceration.

Twenty-three patients with endoscopically proven, symptomatic duodenal ulceration were randomized to receive trimipramine 50 mg daily or placebo. Maximal acid output studies and estimations of pepsin levels were performed before treatment, for 4 weeks while on drug or placebo and for 4 weeks after cessation of treatment. Gastric acid secretion was significantly reduced after 3 weeks treatment with trimipramine and this reduction was maintained for the duration of the study. Gastric pepsin levels were unaffected by the administration of the drug.