Nordazepam

Nordazepam
Systematic (IUPAC) name
7-chloro-5-phenyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one
Identifiers
CAS number	1088-11-5
ATC code	N05BA16
PubChem	2997
DrugBank	none
ChemSpider	2890
Chemical data
Formula	C15H11ClN2O
Mol. mass	270.71
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	?
Metabolism	Hepatic
Half life	50-120 hours
Excretion	Renal
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.	?
Legal status	Schedule IV(US)
Routes	Oral

Nordazepam (marketed under brand names Stilny, Madar, Vegesan, and Calmday), also known as desoxydemoxepam, nordiazepam and desmethyldiazepam, is a 1,4-benzodiazepine derivative. Like other benzodiazepine derivatives, it has anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, muscle relaxant and sedative properties. However, it is used primarily in the treatment of anxiety. It is an active metabolite of diazepam, chlordiazepoxide, clorazepate, prazepam, and medazepam.^[1][2]

Side effects

Common side effects of nordazepam include somnolence, which is more common in elderly patients and/or people on high dose regimens. Hypotonia, which is much less common, is also associated with high doses and/or old age.

Pharmacology

Nordiazepam is a partial agonist at the benzodiazepine receptor which makes it less potent than other benzodiazepines.^[3]

Abuse

Nordazepam and other sedative hypnotic drugs are detected frequently in cases of people suspected of driving under the influence of drugs. Other benzodiazepines and zolpidem and zopiclone are also found in high numbers of suspected drugged drivers. Many drivers have blood levels far exceeding the therapeutic dose range suggesting a high degree of abuse potential for benzodiazepines and zolpidem and zopiclone.^[4]

See also

• Benzodiazepine
• Benzodiazepine dependence
• Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome
• Long term effects of benzodiazepines

External links

• Inchem - Nordazepam

References

1. ^ Biam. "NORDAZEPAM" (in French). http://www3.biam2.org/www1/Sub2655.html. Retrieved on 18 October 2005. 
2. ^ Ator NA, Griffiths RR (September 1997). "Selectivity in the generalization profile in baboons trained to discriminate lorazepam: benzodiazepines, barbiturates and other sedative/anxiolytics". J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 282 (3): 1442–57. PMID 9316858. http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=9316858. 
3. ^ Gobbi M, Barone D, Mennini T, Garattini S (May 1987). "Diazepam and desmethyldiazepam differ in their affinities and efficacies at 'central' and 'peripheral' benzodiazepine receptors". J. Pharm. Pharmacol. 39 (5): 388–91. PMID 2886589. 
4. ^ Jones AW; Holmgren A, Kugelberg FC. (April 2007). "Concentrations of scheduled prescription drugs in blood of impaired drivers: considerations for interpreting the results". Ther Drug Monit. 29 (2): 248–60. doi:10.1097/FTD.0b013e31803d3c04. PMID 17417081. 

This pharmacology-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.