Preliminary data on antiserotonin effects of oxatomide, a novel anti-allergic compound.

Oxatomide or R 35443, 1-(3-[4-(diphenylmethyl)-1-piperazinyl]propyl)-1,3-dihydro--2H-benzimidazol-2-one, a compound with potent antihistaminic and anti-anaphylactic activities, shows specific antiserotonin effects on isolated caudal arteries of the rat. In vivo it is a powerful antagonist of bronchospasm induced by serotonin and by histamine; it has no anticholinergic effects and does not affect blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats. These antiserotonin properties of oxatomide may contribute significantly to its anti-allergic activity.