Synthesis of a quaternary bis derivative of imipramine as a novel compound with potential anti‐enuretic effect

Objectives Imipramine has been used for over four decades (early reports in 1960s) for the treatment of nocturnal enuresis, although the reason for its effect is not clear. Imipramine is a tertiary amine, which may act both in the periphery and/or pass through the blood‐brain barrier (BBB) in unionized form and exhibit a central effect. Since imipramine has anti‐cholinergic properties, some believe it may exert its anti‐enuretic effect by affecting peripheral cholinergic receptors, i.e. its anti‐enuretic effect may be due to peripheral anti‐cholinergic properties, whereas others think it can pass through the BBB and interact with central nervous system (CNS) receptors. If the anti‐enuretic effect of imipramine is due to its peripheral anti‐cholinergic effects, its entrance into the CNS is unnecessary. Therefore, the synthesis of a form of imipramine that can exhibit peripheral anti‐cholinergic effects but does not have CNS adverse effects would have a safer drug profile in this case. On the other hand, if the anti‐enuretic effect of imipramine is primarily due to its action on the CNS, a form of imipramine that cannot pass through the BBB has no effect on nocturnal enuresis treatment and thus may help to clarify the mechanism of action of imipramine in nocturnal enuresis treatment. Methods This article describes the synthesis and evaluation of the anti‐cholinergic effect of a new bis derivative of imipramine, which contains two imipramine units in its structure. Key findings The compound exhibited anti‐cholinergic activity comparable with that of imipramine on isolated guinea pig ileum. Conclusions Being a quaternary ammonium, this compound is not expected to be able to cross the BBB and thus would cause fewer CNS side effects.