Fatal Agranulocytosis Following Therapy with “Presidon” (3,3-Diethyl-2,4-Dioxotetrahydropyridine), a New Sedative Hypnotic Agent

AMONG the nonbarbiturate sedative drugs that have recently been introduced has been 3,3-diethyl-2,4-dioxotetrahydropyridine (pyrithyldione), which has been marketed under the trade name of Presidon. The drug was advertised as a sedative hypnotic predictable in its effect, rapid in onset, with negligible side effects, little tendency to habit formation, slight properties of tolerance and completely nontoxic and safe.A case of fatal agranulocytosis is presented below, since it is believed that Presidon was the etiologic agent responsible for the patient's fatal illness. It indicates that this sedative hypnotic may not be the safe drug it is believed to be. Since most . . .