Beclamide

Originator

Posedrine,Biosa,Switz.

The Uses of Beclamide

Beclamide is a chlorinated benzylpropanamide used as an anticonvulsant drug. It is used in the treatment of tonic-clonic seizyres and has sedative properties.

The Uses of Beclamide

anticonvulsant, antiepileptic

Definition

ChEBI: Beclamide is a member of benzenes.

Manufacturing Process

A 100 gallon lined jacketed kettle provided with cooling is charged with 100 lb of benzylamine and 150 liters of water. The mixture is cooled to 5°C and with stirring 119 lb of β-chloropropionyl chloride and a solution of 45 lb of sodium hydroxide pellets in 40 liters of water are added simultaneously at such a rate that the temperature does not exceed 10°C. During this period the pH of the mixture should be on the alkaline side but below pH 9.5. When the addition is complete the pH should be about 8. The mixture is stirred overnight in the cold, and the solid product is filtered. The filter cake is reslurred with about 80 gallons of water, filtered, and air-dried. Yield, 128 pounds.
The crude material is recrystallized by dissolving it in the minimal quantity of hot methanol (about 50 gallons), adding Norite, and filtering hot. Upon cooling slowly (finally to about 5°C) large crystals separate: they are filtered and air-dried. Yield, 109 pounds. Melting point 92° to 93°C.

Therapeutic Function

Anticonvulsant

Safety Profile

Moderately toxic by ingestion,intraperitoneal and intravenous routes. When heated todecomposition it emits very toxic fumes of Cl^- and NOx.An anticonvulsant.