Effects of Oxanamide on the Central Nervous System

Abstract

Conclusion

Although the exact mechanism of action of oxanamide is not known, its spectrum of pharmacological activity indicates that it is similar to mephenesin and related compounds. Central nervous system depression and muscle relaxation without prior hyperexcitability, attenuation of the pinna reflex before the corneal, and antagonism of the convulsant and lethal effects of strychnine are characteristic of mephenesin-like activity. Furthermore, the first 2 effects differentiate the activity of the centrally acting muscle relaxants from that of barbiturates(8,9). Inhibition of polysynaptic neuronal pathways by oxanamide as judged by its effect on the flexor and linguomandibular reflexes also characterizes it as a member of the muscle-relaxant group of drugs.