The Adverse Effects of Belladonna Alkaloids in Benign Pyloric Obstruction

Abstract

BELLADONNA alkaloids are frequently prescribed in the treatment of patients with chronic peptic ulcer, including those with the complication of gastric retention.^{1 , 2} The rationale underlying such therapy is usually developed as follows: gastric retention is the result of pyloric stenosis; pyloric stenosis is caused to a variable degree by antral or pyloric spasm; gastrointestinal spasm is said to be inhibited by belladonna alkaloids; and therefore, belladonna alkaloids lessen the degree of pyloric stenosis and benefit gastric retention. This chain of reasoning, however, ignores the fact that the size of the pyloric outlet is only one determinant affecting gastric evacuation. Others . . .