SILATRANES

Pharmaceutical Applications

Silatranes are silicon compounds in which the central silicon atom is pentacoordinated. Silatranes can be highly toxic depending on the organic rest at the silicon centre. Aryl and 2-thienyl-substituted silatranes have been proposed as rodenticides. These compounds are known for their self-detoxification, resulting in a low hazard for dermal toxicity or long-lasting secondary risk of poisoning. Silatranes substituted with alkyl, alkenyl and other groups are significant less toxic and are under evaluation for a variety of biological or clinical applications ranging from the stimulation of collagen biosynthesis to the proposed use as anticancer agents. Silicones are the most widely used class of silicon-based compounds clinically. Silicones can be found in plastics, lubricants, catheters, implants and a variety of other medically used items. Silicone fluids, such as simethicone, are known for their antifoaming properties. Simethicone is an orally administered suspension containing polysiloxanes and silicon dioxide. It is an antifoaming agent and is used to reduce bloating by decreasing the surface tension in bubbles. Excessive formation of gas bubbles in the stomach and intestines can be painful and can also be of hindrance for any ultrasound examination. Simethicone can be found in antacids and in suspensions given to babies against colic.