Gastrozepin (Pirenzepine Dihydrochloride)

Gastrozepin (pirenzepine) is used in Germany to treat duodenal ulcers and benign stomach ulcers. The usual dose is one 50 mg tablet twice a day, swallowed whole with a little liquid about half an hour before breakfast and dinner. For severe or complicated ulcers the doctor may add a third tablet at midday. A course usually lasts 4–8 weeks.

Pirenzepine blocks muscarinic receptors on the stomach’s acid-producing glands, mainly the M1 type, which lowers acid and pepsin production. Its selectivity is partial, not complete, but it passes into the brain very little and causes fewer atropine-like side effects than older antimuscarinics.

• Before a stomach ulcer is treated, cancer must be ruled out, because relief of symptoms can hide it. Testing for H. pylori, and eradication treatment where needed, is still recommended.
• Dry mouth is very common, and difficulty focusing the eyes is common, which can affect driving. Headache, diarrhoea, constipation and rash can also occur.
• Use with caution in glaucoma, an enlarged prostate or a fast heart rate. Do not use in paralytic ileus. In severe kidney impairment a lower dose may be needed.
• The tablets contain lactose.

Can I still get Gastrozepin?

Yes, Gastrozepin is still marketed in Germany. It has been withdrawn in some other countries, so we source it from Germany. If your doctor prescribes it, it can be imported in your name under the named-patient route.

How many tablets will I need?

German packs contain 50 or 100 tablets of 50 mg. At the usual dose of two tablets a day, a 4-week course needs 56 tablets and an 8-week course needs 112, so two packs of 50 or one pack of 100 is usually right for a full course.

What documents do we need?

• A prescription from a gastroenterologist or physician stating the dose and course length
• An endoscopy report confirming the ulcer
• Government-issued photo ID of the patient

We confirm the order only after the prescription has been checked.

Does Gastrozepin need special storage?

No. The German label lists no special storage conditions, and the shelf life is 3 years.

Gastrozepin is now an older, less common medicine, and Germany is the market where its supply is confirmed. IPN sources it through authorised distributors there and imports it in the patient’s name.

For Gastrozepin price and delivery time in India, call +91-9310090915 or email info@indianpharmanetwork.in.

Global Approval Status:

• Germany: Authorised (first approved in 1984; current product information dated November 2025).
• United States: Not approved.

Sources:

• Gastrozepin 50 mg – German prescribing information (Fachinformation, Hikma, November 2025)
• Gastrozepin 50 mg tablets – package leaflet (Apotheken Umschau, Germany)

Information last checked: October 2026.

What is Gastrozepin (Pirenzepine Dihydrochloride) prescribed for?

Gastrozepin is an acid-reducing antimuscarinic medicine indicated for gastric and duodenal ulcers.

Who markets Gastrozepin?

Gastrozepin comes from Hikma (current German licence holder), originally developed by Boehringer Ingelheim.

Is Gastrozepin a proton pump inhibitor?

No. It lowers acid by blocking muscarinic receptors on the stomach glands, which is a different mechanism from PPIs such as omeprazole.

How does Gastrozepin help?

Pirenzepine blocks muscarinic receptors on the stomach’s acid-producing glands, mainly the M1 type, which lowers acid and pepsin production.

How long does a course of Gastrozepin last?

Usually 4 to 8 weeks. If the ulcer has not healed after 4 weeks, treatment continues for another 4. Symptoms often go before the ulcer heals, so do not stop early without the doctor’s advice.

Has Gastrozepin been approved by the FDA?

No. Gastrozepin is not approved by the US FDA.