NERVE BLOCK BY MEPHENESIN

Abstract

Mephenesin (1 cc. of 1.3% and 2%) solns. were injd. around the sciatic nerves of 4 guinea pigs. Paralysis and analgesia were produced which lasted 15-25 min. with the weaker and 50-100 min. with the stronger soln. The 2% soln. produced generalized convulsions in ail cases. A 0.65% soln. had no clinical effect Histologically, no abnormalities were found in the muscles or nerves on killing the animals 3 or 17 days later. Intrathecal injn. in the monkey produced a short-lasting spinal block. No histological changes were found at autopsy. Mephenesin was also injd. around the superficial branch of the radial nerve in man. Anesthesia of 15-30 min. was produced; in 2 cases a localized hypalgesia persisted for 1 mo. The injn. caused a temporary burning sensation, and in some cases erythema.