Zinc compounds as therapeutic agents in peptic ulcer.

Zinc acexamate (ZAC) is the first zinc compound developed and marketed for use in the therapy of peptic ulcer. ZAC is active in several ulcer experimental models. This action is secondary to an effect on both aggressive and defensive mucosal factors. ZAC reduces acid and peptic secretion, increases mucus secretion, protects mucosa from disruption by aspirin and reverses the reduction of blood flow caused by noradrenaline. Clinically, ZAC has proven to be a useful drug in the healing of peptic ulcer. Reduction of inflammatory associated processes of peptic ulcer, which has not been seen with H2-blockers, suggests that ZAC may be highly effective in preventing ulcer relapse. These properties, together with its good safety profile, indicate that ZAC would be an interesting option in the treatment of peptic ulcer.