Comparative potency of some official gastro-intestinal antispasmodics as studied in experimental animals

ABSTRACT

1. The antispasmodic effect of some official drugs were studied in dogs using balloons appropriately placed on the intact enteric tract. Intestinal contractions were kymographically recorded2. Comparable doses (threshold relaxing doses) of the pharmacologic agents were determined and tested under uniform experimental conditions3. Tested against spontaneous, Barium-stimulated and Pilocarpine-stimulated intestinal contractions, Methantheline and Atropine were shown to be the most potent agents. Aminophylline, Papaverine and Glyceryl trinitrate follow in the order named. This comparison is on the basis of the average duration of their respective inhibiting effect on the intestine4. The experimental findings in this method of study appear to be in close agreement with clinical observations5. It is postulated that in certain gastro-intestinal conditions characterized by hyperperistalsis, spasm and pain, these antispasmodics will prove clinically effective, if wisely administered. (Summary and Conclusions)