The general pharmacology of a novel antitussive compound RU 20201.

1,2,3,4,4a,9b-Hexahydro-8,9b-dimethyl-4[3-(4-methyl piperazin-1-yl)propionamido] dibenzofuran-3-one dihydrochloride (RU 20201) is an antitussive compound with a potency comparable to that of codeine. Unlike codeine, RU 20201 is devoid of any apparent CNS effects and does not depress the respiratory system. It has no adverse effect on the gastrointestinal tract no has it any analgesic or anti-inflammatory properties. Only at very high doses was a local anaesthetic effect observed.