Nicethamide
[CAS# 59-26-7]

Identification

• Classification: API >> Nervous system medication >> Central stimulant
• Name: Nicethamide
• Synonyms: Nicotinic acid diethylamide; Nikardin; Niketamide; Niketamine; Nikethamide; Niketharol; Nikethyl; Nikorin; Niquetamide; Percoral; Pyricardyl; Pyridine-3-carboxydiethylamide; Pyridine-3-carboxylic acid diethylamide; Reformin; Rehormin; Salvacard; Sancora; Solyacord; Stimulin; Ventramine
• Molecular Formula: C₁₀H₁₄N₂O
• Molecular Weight: 178.23
• CAS Registry Number: 59-26-7
• EC Number: 200-418-5
• SMILES: CCN(CC)C(=O)C1=CN=CC=C1

Properties

• Solubility: Freely soluble (130 g/L) (25 °C), Calc.^*
• Density: 1.042±0.06 g/cm³ (20 °C 760 Torr), Calc.^*
• Melting point: 25-27 °C^**
• Index of Refraction: 1.52, Calc.^*
• Boiling Point: 298.0 °C (760 mmHg), Calc.^*
• Flash Point: 141.1±20.4 °C, Calc.^*

^* Calculated using Advanced Chemistry Development (ACD/Labs) Software V11.02 (©1994-2018 ACD/Labs)

^** Khalafi-Nezhad, Ali

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS06;GHS07 Danger
• Risk Statements: H301-H315-H319-H335
• Safety Statements: P261-P264-P270-P271-P280-P301+P310-P302+P352-P304+P340-P305+P351+P338-P312-P330-P362+P364-P403+P233-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H301
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H311
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H336
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H331
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H332

Discovery and Applications

Nicethamide, also known as 2-(Ethylamino)-nicotinamide, is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C7H10N2O. It belongs to the class of amides and is derived from nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3 (niacin). Nicethamide is a relatively simple derivative of nicotinamide and has a range of applications, particularly in the field of medicine.

Nicethamide is primarily used for its pharmacological effects, particularly as a stimulant. It has been utilized in various medical settings to treat conditions such as respiratory depression, where it functions as a central nervous system stimulant. By stimulating the respiratory centers in the brain, nicethamide can help restore normal respiratory function in cases of shallow or slow breathing. This has made it useful in the treatment of conditions like drug overdose, particularly when the overdose leads to respiratory failure.

Beyond its use in stimulating respiration, nicethamide has been studied for its potential to improve cognitive functions. Some research has suggested that it could have mild nootropic effects, potentially enhancing focus, attention, and mental clarity. However, these effects have not been widely confirmed in large-scale studies, and nicethamide's use as a cognitive enhancer is not well-established in clinical practice.

In addition to its role as a respiratory stimulant, nicethamide is also used in veterinary medicine. It has been found to have some beneficial effects in animals, particularly for stimulating appetite and improving general activity levels in cases of lethargy or decreased appetite. This has made it useful for treating certain conditions in livestock or pets that involve lack of appetite or general malaise.

However, the clinical use of nicethamide has diminished over the years, especially as newer, more effective drugs have been developed for similar purposes. While it was once used more frequently in the management of respiratory depression and other conditions, its use has largely been replaced by more modern treatments with fewer side effects.

As with any drug, the use of nicethamide requires caution. It can have side effects, including nervousness, agitation, and increased heart rate, especially when used in higher doses. It is important that it be administered under medical supervision to avoid the risk of adverse effects.

In terms of chemical properties, nicethamide is a white crystalline powder that is soluble in water and has a slightly bitter taste. It is generally stable under normal conditions but should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, to maintain its efficacy.

Nicethamide has also been studied for its potential role in drug formulations, particularly in combination with other compounds to enhance drug delivery or potency. However, these uses are not as widespread, and its primary role remains within the medical and veterinary sectors as a respiratory stimulant.

In summary, nicethamide is a derivative of nicotinamide that has been primarily used for its stimulant properties, especially in the treatment of respiratory depression. While it has a range of applications, its clinical use has declined over time due to the development of newer medications. Despite this, nicethamide still holds some value in veterinary medicine and as a respiratory stimulant. Proper use under medical supervision is necessary to avoid side effects and ensure its safe application.

References

1976. Gas-liquid chromatographic determination of nikethamide in injectable preparations. Journal - Association of Official Analytical Chemists, 59(1).
URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1249047

1975. Effect of phenobarbital and nikethamide on the creatine and creatinine metabolism in the newborn. Casopis lekaru ceskych, 114(2).
URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1248019

1964. ON THE POSSIBILITY OF ACTIVATING THE HEPATIC PROCESSES OF CONJUGATION AND EXCRETION OF BILIRUBIN BY MEANS OF VARIOUS DRUGS. EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH WITH NICOTINIC ACID DIETHYLAMIDE (CORAMINE) AND PHENYL-ETHYL-BARBITURIC ACID (GARDENAL). Minerva medica, 55.
URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14224159