Ten patients with dyspeptic symptoms participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial to investigate the effects of pirenzepine, a new antiulcer drug with selective antimuscarinic properties, on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Significant decreases in LES Pressure (LESP) were observed ten and twenty minutes after intravenous administration of pirenzepine (16 mg). Pirenzepine also caused significant decreases in duration (at times 10, 20, 40 and 50 minutes) and amplitude (at times 10, 20, 30 and 40 minutes) of post-swallowing LES Relaxation (LESR)