Methapyrilene, once an active ingredient in certain over-the-counter sleeping pills, was found to be a potent carcinogen (a subs
tance that causes cancer). the pills were also found to be about as effective as placeboes in promoting sleep. the desirability quotient (dq) for methapyrilene is
The desirability quotient or DQ for methapyrilene is low.
Methapyrilene refers to an anticholinergic and antihistamine of the pyridine chemical category that was formulated in the initial 1950s. It was traded under the names Histadyl EC and Co-Pyronil.
It exhibits comparatively strong sedative influences, to the degree that its main application was as a medicine for insomnia in spite of its antihistamine activity.