THE EFFECT OF ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE GEL (AMPHOJEL) AND HYDRATED ALUMINA POWDER ON THE INTENSITY AND DURATION OF ACTION OF ANTICHOLINERGIC DRUGS

¹ Wyeth Institute of Applied Biochemistry, Wyeth Incorporated, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

1. The anticholinergic action of atropine sulfate, belladonna extract, Phenergan methiodide, Eumydrine, and Banthine against lacrimation due to Mecholyl was compared in rats following oral administration in (a) water, (b) Amphojel, and (c) hydrated alumina powder.

2. Atropine sulfate, belladonna extract, Phenergan methiodide, and Eumydrine could be administered in large enough quantities to protect 100 per cent of the animals against Mecholyl chromodacryorrhea.

3. Amphojel usually retarded slightly the intestinal absorption of the anti-cholinergic drugs as evidenced by the delay in attaining maximum protection, but did not influence the duration of maximum protection.

4. Amphojel markedly prolonged the time during which 50 per cent of the animals were protected by atropine sulfate, belladonna extract, Phenergan methiodide, and Eumydrine. The same result was obtained when hydrated alumina powder was administered with belladonna extract.

5. The repository action of Amphojel appeared to be entirely intestinal since no protection against Mecholyl was obtained following oral administration of the anticholinergic drugs to pyloro-duodenal ligated rats.