EFFICACY OF METHANTHELINE (BANTHINE) BROMIDE IN THERAPY OF THE UNSTABLE COLON

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Abstract
Methantheline (Banthine) bromide and similar autonomic blocking agents have established themselves as adjuncts in the medical management of duodenal ulcer. Presumably through the mechanism of suppressing gastrointestinal activity, as evidenced by balloon-kymograph tracings,1and less constantly by reducing gastric secretion, they have produced relief of ulcer pain and discomfort. This effect has suggested its use in other gastrointestinal disturbances where hypermotility is an important feature. Methantheline has thus been used in patients with "irritable colon," hyperfunctioning ileostomies, the dumping syndrome, and ulcerative colitis.2Experimental evidence indicating the effectiveness of methantheline in abolishing colonic motility for periods up to five hours3prompted us to investigate clinically the efficacy of the drug in controlling the manifestations of the unstable ("irritable") colon on a long-term basis. METHOD OF STUDY Criteria of clinical responses are admittedly difficult to appraise, but it was hoped that the prolonged period of personal observation by

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