Abstract
N-Methyl-1,6-dihydropyridine-2-carbaldoxime hydrochloride, the pro-drug of 2-PAM, was found to be converted in vivo to 2-PAM, rapidly and quantitatively. The significantly changed properties of the pro-2-PAM resulted in a longer biological half-life and a favorable distribution of 2-PAM formed upon its oxidation. No new metabolite was found when pro-2-PAM was administered intravenously; however, a new metabolic product was formed when the pro-drug was given by oral route.