Abstract:
Methylenealkanamide compounds, and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, of the formula: ##STR1## wherein X is O or S; R is straight or branched methylene substituted alkane having from 11 to 23 carbon atoms; R. sub. 1 is H, OH, or OCH. sub. 3 ; R. sub. 2 is OH or a short-chain ester; and wherein at least one of R. sub. 1 and R. sub. 2 is OH or OCH. sub. 3. Compositions, useful for producing analgesia in humans or lower animals, comprise a safe and effective amount of: a methylenealkanamide, pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, or mixtures thereof; and a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier. Preferably, these methylenealkanamides are N-vanillyl-methylenealkanamides. Methods of treatment, comprising administering a safe and effective amount of these methylenealkanamides, pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, or mixtures thereof, include methods of parenteral, oral and topical administration.