THE PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF 2-METHYL-2-n-PROPYL-1,3-PROPANEDIOL DICARBAMATE (MILTOWN), A NEW INTERNEURONAL BLOCKING AGENT

¹ Wallace Laboratories, Division of Carter Products, Inc., New Brunswick, New Jersey

2-Methyl-2-n-propyl-1 , 3-propanediol dicarbamate, called Miltown, produces reversible flaccid paralysis of skeletal muscles without significantly affecting the heart, respiration and other autonomic functions. Smaller doses produce muscular relaxation and sedation.

Miltown in non-paralysing doses antagonizes the convulsant and lethal effects of pentylenetetrazole and strychnine. It also prevents the occurrence of the tonic extensor phase of maximal electroshock seizures and prolongs barbiturate anesthesia.

Monkeys after having been fed Miltown lose their viciousness and can be more easily handled. Rats receiving 2 per cent of Miltown in their food for 15 months are slightly lighter than the controls but show no ill effects.

Miltown like mephenesin acts on the central nervous system. It has a marked and long lasting depressant effect on multineuronal reflexes but does not significantly affect monosynaptic reflexes.

Miltown has a duration of action about 8 times longer than mephenesin. It is readily and reliably absorbed from the gastrointestinal canal and does not cause emesis or nausea.

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