ABSTRACT
Mephenesin is a synthetic cresol glyceryl ether which produces transient muscle relaxation and paralysis via central nervous system depression. It was formerly used for the treatment of muscle spasticity in Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. Mephenesin is also applied locally, used primarily by young people after sports injuries because of its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. This chapter provides monographs of mephenesin which have caused contact allergy/allergic contact dermatitis. The monographs present: identification section; contact allergy (general population, patients with dermatitis, case reports and case series); cross-reactions; patch test sensitization; photocontact allergy; and immediate contact reactions (contact urticaria). The identification section presents IUPAC names, synonyms, CAS and EC numbers, structural and chemical formulas, Merck Index monographs, and advises on patch testing. The chapter also covers an extensive amount of information to benefit dermatologists, allergists, and all others interested in drug allergy.
