Nirvanol

NIRVANOL (Nirvanolum), phenyl-ethyl-hydantoin, C₁₁H₁₂N₂O₂, a white crystalline powder, melting at 197°, odorless, almost tasteless, sparingly soluble in cold water (1:1,650), more soluble in hot water (1:110), and well soluble in alkalis due to the formation of easily soluble salts (the latter decompose under the influence of CO₂ in the air). Salts are formed by the replacement of hydrogen at the nitrogen located between two carbonyl groups. Nirvanol is a relatively non-toxic hypnotic, in type of action approaching luminal (see). However, hydantoin derivatives, analogous to other derivatives of barbituric acid—veronal and dial—do not possess hypnotic properties. As side effects, N. more frequently than other hypnotics causes skin rashes. Its sodium salt can be used for rectal or intramuscular administration. - Acetyl-N. (in whose molecule the residue of acetic acid stands at the same nitrogen as the metal in the formation of salts) according to observations by Michalke does not cause skin rashes.