Neuronal

NEURONAL (Neuronal) diethylbromoacetamide, molecular weight 194, C₂H₅BrCONH₂ (contains 41% Br). A white crystalline powder, melting at 66-67°, with a camphor-like odor, sharp, bitter, cooling taste; sparingly soluble in cold water (1:120), more readily in hot water, partially decomposing with the liberation of hydrobromic acid; easily soluble in alcohol and fatty oils. When heated with alkalis, it dissolves with partial decomposition, forming hydrocyanic acid. It is unstable in light and therefore must be stored in the dark. N. is used in doses of 0.5-2.0 as a hypnotic, and in doses of 0.1-0.2 as a sedative for psychological and motor excitement. It has a locally irritating effect on the gastric mucosa. In addition to other side effects, tachycardia is observed. No habituation or cumulation effects were observed with the administration of N. A mixture of equal parts of N. and acetanilide is used as a sedative under the name neurofibrin.