Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition administerable either orally or parenterally, comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an acyl-carnitine, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or amide thereof, wherein the acyl radical is selected from the group formed by acetyl, propionyl, butyryl, hydroxybutyryl and acetoacetyl is useful in the therapeutical treatment of patients with impaired cerebral metabolism, as for instance in the states of senile and presenile psychomotor involution and in senile and presenile dementia.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical, acyl carnitine-containing composition wherein the acyl radical is selected from the group comprising acetyl, propionyl, butyryl, hydroxybutyryl and acetoacetyl is disclosed. This composition is useful in the therapeutic treatment of peripheral vascular diseases (typically, Raynaud's disease).

Abstract: A device is disclosed for the inhalation of a drug in powder form contained in a capsule made of a pierceable material by humans suffering from asthma, which comprises two cylindrically-shaped members at least one of which is provided with hollow piercing means, the members being open-ended, matingly engaged and telescopically slidable into each other between a first position at which the capsule in its integral condition is positioned between the members, and a second position at which the capsule is pierced by said hollow piercing means in such a way that the suction exerted by the user allows the drug inhalation to take place.

Abstract: A composition for total or supplemental parenteral nutrition of patients in need thereof for the treatment of shock and trauma is disclosed. The composition comprises a therapeutically effective amount of triglycerides and an amount of an acyl-carnitine, typically acetyl-carnitine, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof sufficient to increase free fatty acid oxidation.

Abstract: A glucose solution for drip phleboclysis characterized by the inclusion therein of L-carnitine is disclosed. The presence of L-carnitine improves the muscle tissue absorption and utilization of glucose, thus preventing excessive insulin secretion. This permits the utilization of 10% glucose solutions, and also in excess of 10%, without any risk for the patient even in the case of long-term treatment.

Abstract: Esters with guaiacol of alpha- and beta-mercaptopropionylalanine and of alpha- and beta-mercaptopropionylglycine, their preparation process and their therapeutic use as mucolytic agents, are disclosed.

Abstract: A therapeutical method for treating uraemic patients in regular dialysis treatment (RDT) is disclosed, wherein carnitine is administered to the patients. Carnitine can be administered over the whole treatment period by the oral route exclusively. Alternatively, while oral administration is carried out only in those days in which the patient is not subjected to dialysis, when the patient undergoes dialysis, a carnitine-containing dialyzing liquid is used. Furthermore, a suitable dialyzing solution is also disclosed.

Abstract: Abnormally high ratios of low density and very low density lipoproteins to high denisty lipoproteins, an etiological factor in vascular conditions, are reduced by oral or parenteral administration of acylcarnitine which increases the level of high density lipoproteins.

Abstract: Abnormally high ratios of low density and very low density lipoproteins to high density lipoproteins, an etiological factor in vascular conditions, are reduced by oral or parenteral administration of carnitine which increases the level of high density lipoproteins.

Abstract: A composition for total or supplemental parenteral nutrition of patients in need thereof for the treatment of shock and trauma, is disclosed. The composition comprises a therapeutically effective amount of triglycerides and an amount of carnitine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof sufficient to increase free fatty acid oxidation.

Abstract: A device for extemporaneously preparing under sterile conditions a solution and dispensing carefully dosed amounts of the solution, is disclosed, wherein the container for the solvent is sealingly closed by an upwardly recessed capsule provided with an axially-extending, substantially cylindrical body the outwardly projecting end whereof is shaped as a piercing tip and having therein two parallel, adjacent passages. The opposite outlets of one passage are offset to the corresponding outlets of the adjacent passage.

Abstract: A therapeutical method for treating uraemic patients in regular dialysis treatment (RDT) is disclosed, wherein an acyl-carnitine (typically acetyl-carnitine) is administered to the patients. The acyl-carnitine can be administered over the whole treatment period by the oral route exclusively. Alternatively, while oral administration is carried out in those days in which the patient is not subjected to the haemodialytic session, when the patient undergoes dialysis, the acyl-carnitine is administered by slow infusion, or an acyl-carnitine-containing dialyzing liquid is used. Furthermore, a suitable dialyzing solution is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for containing a substance and adapted to release the substance into a vial comprising a container adapted to be supported on the vial having a cylindrical space adapted to contain the substance with a closing bottom connected thereto for closing the cylindrical space and retaining the substance. A piercing piston is slidably mounted within the cylindrical space of the container and provided with a lower piercing point for piercing through a weakness defined between the container and its closing bottom. A vertically and circumferentially extending groove is defined in the container within the circumferential space and a projection is defined on the piercing piston which in engaged within the groove.

Abstract: Certain methods of using acyl derivatives of d,l-carnitine have been provided in therapy of myocardial anoxia, ischaemia, arrhythmic syndromes and heart failure in both animals and in man. Acetyl-d,l-carnitine and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts, e.g., the hydrochloride salt, have shown a remarkable improvement in therapy of heart fatigue in animals and humans, and in pathological situations characterized by cardiac rhythm disorders. Other very effective carnitine derivatives are: propionyl d,l-carnitine, butyryl-d,l-carnitine, hydroxybutyryl d,l-carnitine, hexanoyl d,l-carnitine, octanoyl d,l-carnitine, decanoyl d,l-carnitine, palmitoyl d,l-carnitine, stearoyl d,l-carnitine, and acetoacetyl d,l-carnitine.

Abstract: A hollow device which can be easily carried in a pocket or purse and in which can be inserted a spray can used to carry substances for inhalation. Mechanical means are provided wherein the device is kept in a closed position when not in use but can be easily activated to expose the nozzle portion of the spray can to permit utilization of the can.

Abstract: A novel cysteine thiolactone of nicotinamide is disclosed having the formula: ##STR1## The compounds, homo-cysteine thiolactone of nicotinamide, and its pharmacologically acceptable salts have the useful pharmacological activity of lowering cholesterol, free fatty acid and triglyceride plasma level in the case of altered lipid metabolism and improving BSP clearance ratio in cases of liver injury.A synthesis of the compound from nicotinoyl chloride, hydrochloride or nicotinic acid esters is described as well as modes for the administration of the compound.

Abstract: A novel cysteine thiolactone of nicotinamide is disclosed having the formula: ##STR1## The compounds, homo-cysteine thiolactone of nicotinamide, and its pharmacologically acceptable salts have the useful pharmacological activity of lowering cholesterol, free fatty acid and triglyceride plasma level in the case of altered lipid metabolism and improving BSP clearance ratio in cases of liver injury.A synthesis of the compound from nicotinoyl chloride, hydrochloride or nicotinic acid esters is described as well as modes for the administration of the compound.

Abstract: A novel thiazolidide ester of nicotinic acid is disclosed having the formula: ##STR1## The compound has the useful pharmacological activity of lowering cholesterol, free fatty acid and triglyceride plasma levels in cases of malfunctioning lipid metabolism.A synthesis of the compound from nicotinoyl chloride hydrochloride or nicotinic acid is described as well as modes for the administration of the compound.

Abstract: A novel thionicotinate of nicotinamide is disclosed having the formula: ##STR1## The compound has the useful pharmacological activity of lowering cholesterol, free fatty acid and triglyceride plasma levels. In cases of liver injury, administration of the compound has modified toward normal the injury-induced malfunction of the liver. A synthesis of the compound from nicotinoyl chloride hydrochloride is described as well as modes for the administration of the compound.

Abstract: A dispensing closure for a container for dispensing metered quantities of powder contents and the like therein and having an outer tubular element having a tubular body with an inclined bottom wall that terminates in an upstanding wall spaced from an inner wall surface defining a bottom inlet for communication with the interior of the container. A second element comprising a split cylinder is disposed axially in the outer tubular element and has a top defining an outlet opening on the outer tubular element. The second element has a wall in the tubular body spaced axially from the bottom wall and inwardly from the upstanding wall to define a chamber having an opening communicating with the bottom inlet opening. A second chamber is formed between the first-mentioned chamber with which it communicates and the bottom wall. The wall of the second element defines an outlet communicating with the second chamber and the top outlet opening.