PHARMACOLOGY OF PEMOLINE

Abstract

Pemoline (5-phenyl-2-imino-4-oxo oxazolidine) produced an increase in spontaneous motor activity of a co-ordinated type in mice. It was observed to prevent and to reverse reserpine-induced motor depression in a manner analogous to that of d-amphetamine. The order of activity as a motor stimulant fell between that of d-amphetamine and caffeine but had a slower onset of action. At low doses, pemoline potentiated the loss of righting reflex induced by hexobarbital and ethanol but it antagonized these agents at high doses. Pemoline antagonized nicotine-induced clonic convulsions in mice. Like amphetamine it produced an increase in urine output and sodium and potassium excretion in the male guinea pig.