TETRA-ETHYL-AMMONIUM AS AN ADJUNCT IN THE TREATMENT OF PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DISEASE AND OTHER PAINFUL STATES

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Abstract
Detailed clinical observations are presented on the use of tetra-ethyl-ammonium injns. in a large series of patients suffering from peripheral vascular disease and related disorders. Parenteral admn. of the drug results in a blockade of nerve impulses through the autonomic ganglia. Studies in animals revealed parenteral injn. of tetra-ethyl-ammonium causes a fall in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. These effects cannot be attributed to its action on the arterioles. Destruction of the medulla or transection of the cervical cord in exptl. animals prevents the action of the drug on blood pressure. Additional data on the pharmacology of the drug in animals are given. Of particular significance are the effects of tetra-ethyl-ammonium in man. The drug has proved of value in diminishing or relieving pain of causalgia, post-traumatic painful states, herpes zoster, Buerger''s disease and thrombophlebitis. Admn. of the drug in dosages as high as 500 mg. has not resulted in any serious toxic effects in more than 1,500 injns. Certain patients may, however, show some undesirable side-effects following injns. of tetra-ethyl-ammonium. Caution must be exercised in giving the drug to these individuals.