The antitussive activity of a novel compound RU 20201.

A novel compound, 1,2,3,4,4a,9b-hexahydro-8,9b-dimethyl-4-[3-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)propionamido]dibenzofuran-3-one dihydrochloride (RU 20201), has been shown to have comparable antitussive activity to that of codeine phosphate in animal experiments after oral administration. RU 20201 was also shown to have local antitussive activity when given by aerosol. This effect took place immediately. Initial observations suggest that RU 20201 is an antitussive compound that exerts its activity in the lungs, probably by direct inhibition of superficial receptors in the respiratory tract.