Pharmacological studies on otilonium bromide

Otilonium bromide (OB) is a quaternary ammonium compound characterized by a long aliphatic chain. Its chemical properties are responsible for both a poor penetration in CNS and a prolonged binding to cell membranes. OB is a spasmolytic agent which acts by modifying Ca++ fluxes from extra and intracellular sites. It has been documented that iv administration (10 mg/kg) of OB causes a marked reduction of colonic motility lasting from 2 to 3 hours, whereas an inhibition of upper GI motor activity is present only at higher dosages. In conclusion, OB seems to exert its activity mainly on distal GI tract, and its spasmolytic effect may be due to its ability to inhibit Ca++ fluxes and to a direct action of the drug on the contractile proteins of the smooth muscle.