Pirenzepine is a muscarinic receptor antagonist that is primarily used in the treatment of peptic ulcers. Its primary function is to reduce gastric acid secretion, thereby allowing the gastric mucosa to heal and alleviating symptoms associated with ulcerations.
To understand why pirenzepine is the appropriate choice for treating a gastric ulcer, let's analyze the nature of this medication:
- Mechanism of Action: Pirenzepine selectively inhibits M1 subtype receptors found in the stomach, which are responsible for stimulating acid secretion by gastric parietal cells.
- Treatment Role: By inhibiting these receptors, pirenzepine effectively reduces acid production, leading to an increased pH level in the stomach. This creates a less corrosive environment, which supports the healing of ulcers.
- Therapeutic Use: It is particularly beneficial for patients with gastric ulcers who cannot tolerate other standard treatments, such as proton pump inhibitors or H2 receptor antagonists.
Therefore, the correct answer is: Gastric ulcer, as pirenzepine specifically helps mitigate symptoms by lowering gastric acid secretion.