Effect of a histamine H2-receptor antagonist and an anticholinergic on gastric acid secretion in man.

Metiamide (a histamine H2-receptor antagonist) and propantheline (an anticholinergic) are both inhibitors of gastric acid secretion. We have investigated the effect of gastric acid secretion of blocking the histamine and acetylcholine receptor sites separately and together. There was a statistically significant additive inhibitory effect on pentagastrin-stimulated volume secretion when both drugs were given together. The inhibition of acid output was slightly but insignificantly greater with the combination of drugs than when they were given separately.