Metabolism of ethyl 2-carbamoyloxybenzoate (4003/2), a prodrug of salicylic acid, carsalam and salicylamide.

The metabolites of 4003/2 observed in vivo have been produced by incubation in vitro of 4003/2 with liver post-mitochondrial supernatants from rat, rabbit and dog. The metabolites were characterized by UV, i.r., NMR, MS and HPLC. All the metabolites detected have been or are in use as drugs for the relief of pain and inflammation. Hence, the new drug 4003/2 is a pro-drug of salicylic acid, carsalam and salicylamide.