Antisecretory effects of Librax in patients with duodenal ulcer
The antisecretory effectiveness of a standard dose of Librax—a combination of an anticholinergic agent clidinium bromide, and an ataractic chlordiazepoxide—was determined in 20 patients with duodenal ulcer by a paired, 6-hr., placebo-controlled test. Significant reductions in mean hourly pH, mean hourly secretory volume, hourly total acid output, hourly volume (percentage of control), and hourly acid output (percentage of control) were observed. The magnitude of the antisecretory changes were in that descending order. The results indicate that the antisecretory effect observed was due to a reduction both in volume and in acid concentration. The reduced acid concentration was reflected in change in pH; titratable acidity was altered insignificantly, but in the same direction. The antisecretory effects were of the same magnitude in the highest secretors as compared with the lowest secretors. Evidence from the reports of others is cited that the antisecretory effects observed were due to the anticholinergic component of Librax. Unexpectedly, gastric secretory rates increased significantly following placebo administration.