Denzimol, a new anticonvulsant drug. II. General pharmacological activities.

The paper reports on the pharmacological properties of N-[beta-[4-(beta-phenylethyl)phenyl]-beta-hydroxyethyl]imidazole hydrochloride (denzimol, Rec 15-1533), a compound endowed with anticonvulsant properties, and its possible side effects. Effects on the CNS, effects on vigilance and general motility are similar to those of phenytoin and occur at doses much above anticonvulsant levels. The drug has good in vitro antihistamine, anticholinergic and anti-5-HT activity which accounts for the effects on the gastrointestinal system e.g. inhibition of gastric secretion and motility and anti-ulcer properties. There was no significant effect on the cardiovascular system or respiration, except an interesting antiarrhythmic activity.