Abstract: An antiinflammatory steroid exhibiting a tendency to crystal growth in suspension in aerosol propellants is contacted with a halogenated hydrocarbon to form a crystalline solvate, which, after removal of some or all of the propellant from the crystals, is reduced to a particle size permitting inhalation into the human bronchial system when dispersed as an aerosol, the micronized crystalline solvate not thereafter exhibiting crystal growth in the aerosol propellant. The solvate is a new composition of matter which has been characterized by I.R. spectra and the aerosol formulation prepared therefrom has valuable therapeutic properties, particularly in the treatment of asthma.

Abstract: A novel 3-endo-protected hydroxyl-tricyclo[3,2,0,0.sup.2,7 ]heptan-6-one is described which can be alkylated stereospecifically to give a 5-endo-protected hydroxyl-bicyclo[2,2,1]heptan-2-one which may then be converted via a sequence of reactions into prostaglandins of the F-series having a protecting group at the 9-position. The synthesis of the tricyclo[3,2,0,0.sup.2,7 ]heptan-6-one is also described.

Abstract: There are provided compounds of the general formula (I): ##STR1## and physiologically acceptable salts thereof in which Z represents a group ##STR2## wherein R.sub.2 represents a hydrogen atom or a straight or branched chain alkyl radical, or Z can additionally represent a group ##STR3## and R.sub.1, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4, which may be the same or different, each represent a hydrogen atom, a cycloalkyl group, an aryl group which may optionally be substituted by one or more hydroxy, alkoxy, or halogen radicals, or a straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl group, which alkyl or alkenyl group may be substituted with an aryl group, which aryl group may optionally be substituted by one or more hydroxy, alkoxy or halogen radicals. The compounds possess spasmolytic and cAMP phosphodiesterase inhibitory activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to (1.alpha., 2.alpha., 4.alpha., 6.alpha.)-3-oxatricyclo[4.2.0.0.sup.2,4 ]octane-7-one and derivatives thereof in which the ketone group is protected, which compounds are useful intermediates in the preparation of natural and synthetic prostaglandins. Processes for the preparation of these compounds are described and exemplified as are processes for their conversion into known prostaglandin intermediates.

Abstract: Compounds of the general formula I: ##STR1## and physiologically acceptable salts thereof and N-oxides and hydrates, in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 which may be the same or different represent hydrogen, lower alkyl, cycloalkyl, lower alkenyl, aralkyl or lower alkyl interrupted by an oxygen atom or a group ##STR2## in which R.sub.4 represents hydrogen or lower alkyl or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 may, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, form a heterocyclic ring which may contain other heteroatoms selected from O and ##STR3## R.sub.3 is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkenyl or alkoxyalkyl; X is --CH.sub.2 --, O-- or --S--;Y represents .dbd.S, .dbd.O, .dbd.NR.sub.5 or .dbd.CHR.sub.6 ;Alk denotes a straight or branched alkylene chain of 1 to 6 carbon atoms;R.sub.5 is H, nitro, cyano, lower alkyl, aryl, alkylsulphonyl, or arylsulphonyl;R.sub.6 represents nitro, arylsulphonyl or alkylsulphonyl;m is an integer from 2 to 4; andn is 1 or 2; or when X is --S-- or --CH.sub.2 --, n is zero, 1 or 2.

Abstract: Compounds of the general formula ##STR1## and physiologically acceptable salts, hydrates and bioprecursors thereof are disclosed, in whichR.sub.1 and R.sub.2, which may be the same or different, represent hydrogen, lower alkyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl or lower alkenyl groups, which alkyl groups may be interrupted by an oxygen atom or a group ##STR2## in which R.sub.4 represents hydrogen or lower alkyl; or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 may, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a heterocyclic ring which may contain other hetero functions selected from --O-- and ##STR3## R.sub.3 represents hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkenyl or alkoxyalkyl; X represents --O--, --S-- or --CH.sub.2 --;Y represents .dbd.S, .dbd.O, .dbd.NR.sub.5 or .dbd.CHR.sub.6 ;in which R.sub.5 is hydrogen, nitro, cyano, lower alkyl, aryl, alkylsulphonyl or arylsulphonyl and R.sub.6 represents nitro, alkylsulphonyl or arylsulphonyl;m is an integer from 2 to 4 inclusive;n is 1 or 2 or, when X is S or CH.sub.

Abstract: An inhaler device for administering medicaments contained in capsules of the kind including a capsule body portion fitted with a capsule cap portion. The device has a body shell provided with an internal chamber. An air inlet opening leads into the chamber. An outlet nozzle through which air can be aspirated leads from the chamber. A capsule receptacle is located inside the chamber, and is arranged so that one of said portions of a capsule can be retained therein. A capsule opening means is positioned in the chamber to engage the other said portion of the capsule retained in the capsule receptacle. The receptacle and the opening means being movable with respect to one another to separate the two said capsule portions from each other.

Abstract: An inhalation device by which powdered medicaments can be orally or nasally inhaled by a patient through a nozzle. A hollow body shell has a chamber therein. An air inlet leads into the chamber. A capsule retaining means has an inlet opening outside the chamber through which the capsule can be inserted. The retaining means is arranged to retain an inserted capsule with a portion of the capsule body projecting into the chamber as well as to squeeze and deform the overlapping portions of the capsule body and capsule cap. A capsule opening means is located inside the chamber. Said opening means and said retaining means are relatively movable and are so disposed that relative movement between them brings the projecting portion of an inserted capsule and the opening means into engagement with one another so as to separate the capsule body from the capsule cap. A guard prevents the separated capsule body from passing through the nozzle.

Abstract: The stereospecific alkylation of a novel 3-endo-protected hydroxyl-tricyclo[3,2,0,0.sup.2,7 ]heptan-6-one is described using a range of lithium-, copper or magnesium-containing organometallic reagents. This reaction provides a 5-endo-protected hydroxyl-bicyclo[2,2,1]-heptan-2-one system from which prostaglandin compounds of the F series having a protecting group at the 9-position hydroxyl group may readily be obtained by a sequence of reactions.

Abstract: Compounds of the general formula (I): ##STR1## in which one or more substituents R.sub.1 may be present and in which: R.sub.1 represents a halogen atom, preferably fluorine or chlorine, or a trifluoromethyl group or a group --NR.sub.5 R.sub.6 in which R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 which may be the same or different represent a hydrogen atom, or an alkyl group containing from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms or an acyl group, preferably the residue of a C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkanoic acid;X represents a straight or branched chain alkyl group containing 2 to 6 carbon atoms; andR.sub.2 and R.sub.3 which may be the same or different each represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably a methyl group; andR.sub.4 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, are provided together with processes for the production thereof. They have a .beta..sub.2 -stimulant activity.

Abstract: Compounds of the general formula (I): ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 represents hydrogen or a straight or branched chain alkyl group, or an acyl group of the formula --COR.sup.5 (in which R.sup.5 represents a hydrogen atom or a straight or branched chain alkyl group);R.sup.2 represents an aryl group of the formula: ##STR2## (in which R.sup.6 represents a hydrogen atom or independently one or more of the following groups, that is, hydroxy, alkoxy, alkyl, halogen, dialkylamino and trifluoromethyl, or may represent a 3,4-methylenedioxy group ##STR3## R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 may independently represent hydrogen or a straight or branched chain alkyl group; andN represents 1, 2 or 3; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; and hydrates of said compounds or salts thereof. The invention also includes processes for the production of these compounds, compositions containing them and methods of treatment using them.

Abstract: Compounds of the general formula: ##STR1## and non-toxic physiologically acceptable salts thereof, in which R.sub.1 is a halogen atom or a group NR.sub.2 R.sub.3 ;R.sub.2 and R.sub.3, which may be the same or different, are hydrogen or (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6) straight or branched chain alkyl or R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 may, together with the nitrogen atom, form a 5 or 6 membered heterocyclic ring which may contain a further hetero atom selected from O, N or S; or R.sub.2 may be hydrogen and R.sub.3 may by group R.sub.4 CO or R.sub.4 SO.sub.2 where R.sub.4 is hydrogen or alkyl (C.sub.1-4);R.sub.5 is hydrogen or one or more halogen atoms or hydroxy or alkoxy (C.sub.1-4) groups; andX is CH.sub.2, O or a group NR.sub.6 where R.sub.6 is hydrogen or alkyl (C.sub.1-4). These compounds block .beta.-adrenoreceptors.

Abstract: A novel 3-endo-protected hydroxyl-tricyclo[3,2,0,0.sup.2,7 ]-heptan-6-one is described which can be alkylated stereospecifically to give a 5-endo-protected hydroxyl-bicyclo [2,2,1]heptan-2-one which may then be converted via a sequence of reactions into prostaglandins of the F-series having a protecting group at the 9-position. The synthesis of the tricyclo[3,2,0,0.sup.2,7 ]heptan-6-one is also described.

Abstract: Compounds of the general formula I: ##STR1## and physiologically acceptable salts thereof and N-oxides and hydrates, in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 which may be the same or different represent hydrogen, lower alkyl, cycloalkyl, lower alkenyl, aralkyl or lower alkyl interrupted by an oxygen atom or a group ##STR2## in which R.sub.4 represents hydrogen or lower alkyl or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 may, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, form a heterocyclic ring which may contain other heteroatoms selected from O and ##STR3## R.sub.3 is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkenyl or alkoxyalkyl; X is --CH.sub.2 --, O or S;Y represents .dbd. S, .dbd. O, .dbd. NR.sub.5 or .dbd. CHR.sub.6 ;Alk denotes a straight or branched alkylene chain of 1 to 6 carbon atoms;R.sub.5 is H, nitro, cyano, lower alkyl, aryl, alkylsulphonyl, or arylsulphonyl;R.sub.6 represents nitro, arylsulphonyl or alkylsulphonyl;M is an integer from 2 to 4; andN is 1 or 2; or when X .dbd. S, or --CH.sub.2 --, n is zero, 1 or 2.

Abstract: An inhalation device by which powdered medicaments can be self-administered to a patient comprising a chamber arranged to receive a capsule containing the powdered medicament. At least one air inlet aperture leading into the chamber. A nozzle through which air can be inhaled leads from the chamber. A magazine is slidable and rotatable in the chamber and has a longitudinal capsule loading receptacle arranged so that a capsule inserted therein will have an end portion projecting from the receptacle into the chamber. A knife is fixed in the chamber in such a position that rotation of the magazine with respect to the chamber will cause the projecting portion of a capsule located in the receptacle to engage a cutting edge of the knife thereby to sever the projecting portion of the capsule from the remainder of the capsule.

Abstract: An inhalation device for self-administration to a patient powdered medicaments contained in a capsule. A chamber receives a capsule containing a powdered medicament. The chamber has a nozzle through which air from the chamber can be inhaled and the air inlet apertures leading into the chamber and so arranged that the air flow caused by inhalation through the nozzle will cause the capsule to be agitated. A magazine is slidable in the chamber to and from an operative position and is also rotatable in the chamber. The magazine has therein a capsule loading passage and at least one other passage.

Abstract: Compounds of the general formula I and physiologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof:- ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 is a lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, or arylalkyl radical, which radicals may optionally be substituted by one or more alkoxy or hydroxy groups.R.sup.2 represents a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl radical which may optionally be substituted by one or more hydroxy groups, amino groups, or heterocyclic rings containing one or more heteroatoms, or R.sup.2 represents a cycloalkyl, arylalkyl or aryloxyalkyl radical, which radicals may optionally be substituted by one or more alkoxy or hydroxy groups;R.sup.3 represents a hydrogen atom or a benzyl group;X represents a group of formula --CONR.sup.4 R.sup.5 where R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 may be the same or different and each represents hydrogen or a lower alkyl group;With the proviso that when R.sup.2 is tertiary butyl and R.sup.1 is a benzyl group, R.sup.3 represents a hydrogen atom. The compounds have a blocking action on .beta.

Abstract: Compounds of the general formula I: ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 represents cycloalkyl, aralkyl, heterocyclic aryl, or substituted phenyl, in which the substituents on the phenyl group are one or more of the following groups, that is halogen, hydroxy, alkoxy (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4), alkyl (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4), nitro, dialkylamino or methylenedioxy;R.sub.2 represents a hydrogen atom, or together with the group R.sub.1 and the adjacent carbon atom represents a cycloalkyl group with 3 to 7 carbon atoms inclusive;R.sub.3 represents a group R.sub.5 CO--, or R.sub.5 CH(OH)-- in which R.sub.5 is methyl or ethyl;R.sub.4 is an alkyl group (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6) or a phenyl group; and in which where R.sub.4 is alkyl, R.sub.3 and R.sub.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula: ##STR1## and physiologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof, in which R.sup.1 isA. an arylalkyl group, the alkyl portion of which contains from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and the aryl portion of which may be substituted by one or more alkoxy groups or hydroxy groups; orB. an aryloxyalkyl group, the alkyl portion of which contains from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and the aryloxy portion of which is substituted with one or more alkoxy or hydroxy groups.These compounds have a blacking action on both .alpha.- and .beta.-adrenergic receptors and are useful in treating hypertension. Processes for the production of these compounds and pharmaceutical compositions containing them are also provided.

Abstract: Compounds of the general formula I: ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 -R.sup.4 which may be the same or different represent hydrogen atoms, or C.sub.1-6 straight or branched chain alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl group or an alkyl group substituted by a cycloalkyl group, or represents a cycloalkyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aryl, aralkyl, acyl (which includes arylsulphonyl) groups in which the alkyl group or the alkyl portion of the aralkyl group may be substituted with one or more hydroxy or esterified hydroxy groups and in which the aryl groups or the aryl portion of the acyl or aralkyl group may be substituted by one or more halogen atoms, alkyl groups, hydroxy groups, alkoxy groups, trifluoromethyl, nitro, amino or dialkylamino groups, and in which R.sup.5 -R.sup.8 which may be the same or different represent hydrogen atoms or alkyl groups except that not all groups may be hydrogen, or R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 or R.sup.7 and R.sup.8 together represent a carbonyl (.dbd.O) oxygen and in any of the pairs of groups R.sup.1 /R.sup.2, R.