The value of a histamine H2-receptor antagonist in the management of patients with the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Inhibition of acid secretion by an H2-receptor antagonist (metiamide) was assessed in three patients with the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Metiamide (200 or 300 mg) inhibited acid secretion transiently (2 1/2 hours) by 85 to 100 per cent in all patients. Although anticholinergic drugs alone inhibited acid secretion by only 0 to 35 per cent in these patients, the combination of metiamide and anticholinergic markedly prolonged the inhibitory effect of metiamide. Total gastrectomy was refused by one patient, and was impossible in another; both were treated with metiamide and anticholinergic for five and 10 months. A third patient was treated with metiamide and anticholinergic for three weeks in preparation for total gastrectomy. Ulcer pain and diarrhea disappeared, and each gained weight. H2-receptor antagonists may be useful in the treatment of some patients with the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.