Abstract

Twelve spastic patients received single oral doses of a new anti-spastic drug DS103-282 (Sandoz) 6 mg, baclofen 20 mg, and placebo on three separate days. Passive stretch responses were measured before administration and for four hours afterwards. DS103-282 was more effective than baclofen, and both drugs were more effective than placebo. Analysis of the recordings confirmed that DS103-282 had a specific effect upon stretch reflexes independent of its effect on resting muscle tone. Its action appeared at 30 to 45 minutes after ingestion, with maximum activity at 60-90 minutes. Unwanted effects of DS103-282 were drowsiness and (in one case) potentiation of antihypertensive therapy.