Method of inducing a histamine agonist action on H.sub.2 receptors

Abstract

The invention claims as drugs which are active as agonists of the histamine H.sub.3 receptor, the O-[2-(4(5-imidazolyl)-ethyl] isothiourea, 4-(4(5)-imidazolyl) butyramidine and S-[2-(4(5)-imidazolyl)-ethyl] isourea as well as their N-methyl derivatives, these compounds being useful for the preparation of drugs to be used as hypnotic, sleep-inducer, tranquillizer, sedative, anxiolytic, anti-asthmatic and anti-inflammatory agents, notably for the bronchi, the skin or the eyes, or as anti-gastric ulcer agents.

Description

Claims

1. A method of inducing a histamine agonist action on H.sub.3 receptors of a subject, comprising the step of administering to said subject S-[2-(4(5)-imidazolyl)-ethyl] isothiourea in an amount sufficient to induce said action.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the compound S-[2-(4(5)-imidazolyl)-ethyl] isothiourea is administered to said subject at a dosage of between 0.1 and 10 mg/kg.

3. A method of inducing a hypnotic, sleep-inducing, tranquilizing, sedative or anxiolytic action in a subject, comprising the step of administering to said subject S-[2-(4(5)-imidazolyl)-ethyl] isothiourea in an amount sufficient to induce said action.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the compound S-[2-(4(5)-imidazolyl)-ethyl] isothiourea is administered to said subject at a unit dosage of 5 to 60 mg.

5. A method of inducing a histamine agonist action on H.sub.3 receptors of a subject, comprising the step of administering to said subject the N-methyl derivative of S-[2-(4(5)-imidazolyl)-ethyl] isothiourea in an amount sufficient to induce said action.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the N-methyl derivative of S-[2-(4(5)-imidazolyl)-ethyl] isothiourea is administered to said subject at a dosage between 1 and 50 mg/kg.

7. A method of inducing a hypnotic, sleep-inducing, tranquilizing, sedative or anxiolytic action in a subject, comprising the step of administering to said subject the N-methyl derivative of S-[2-(4(5)-imidazolyl)-ethyl] isothiourea.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the N-methyl derivative of S-[2-(4(5)-imidazolyl)-ethyl] isothiourea is administered to said subject at a unit dose of 50 to 600 mg.

9. A pharmaceutical composition having a hypnotic, sleep-inducing, tranquilizing, sedative, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory or anti-gastric ulcer activity, comprising as active principle 0-[2-(4(5)-imidazolyl)-ethyl] isourea or its N-methyl derivative in an amount sufficient to induce said activity in a subject, and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient or vehicle.