The spasmolytic properties of 5-chloro-4-(2-imidazolin-2-yl-amino)-2, 1,3-benzothiadiazole hydrochloride (DS 103-282): a pilot study.

The overall efficacy and tolerance of a new skeletal muscle relaxant DS 103-282 was evaluated by treating 10 patients with chronic spinal spasticity. Other agents such as baclofen, dantrolene sodium or diazepam had been only minimally beneficial in these patients. Treatment was started with DS 103-282 at a mean dosage of 7.4 mg. per day which was adjusted according to response up to 14.5 mg. per day at the end of the 8-week trial period. Objective rating assessments showed improvement in spasticity, medullary automatism and clonus. No changes were recorded in the reflex pattern nor improvement in disability scores. Only a few mild side-effects were reported, there was a noticeable absence of sedation, but reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure was noted in most patients. DS 103-282 appears to have demonstrable myotonolytic action and in view of its good tolerance it deserves further investigation.