BENZODIAZEPINES

INTRODUCTION

Benzodiazepines are a class of depressant drugs whose core chemical structure is the fusion of a benzene ring and a diazepine ring. They are used for the treatment of conditions such as anxiety disorders, insomnia, and seizures. They are informally referred to as Benzos.

MODE OF ACTION

Benzodiazepine receptors are present in the brain and they form a part of GABAA receptor ′s chloride ion channel macromolecular complex. The binding of benzodiazepines to these receptors produces activation of GABAA receptors and increases chloride conductance by increasing the frequency of opening the chloride ion channel. These in turn inhibit neuronal activity through hyperpolarization and depolarization.

TYPES OF BENZODIAZEPINES

Benzodiazepines differ in how quickly they start working, how long they last, and what they are usually prescribed for. These include

• Diazepam

• Nitrazepam

• Oxazepam

• Triazole benzodiazepines

DIAZEPINES

IUPAC NAME

7-Chloro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

PROPERTIES 

It is a white or almost white crystalline powder. Soluble in ethanol and very slightly soluble in water. Sedation and anti-anxiety effects may take a long time to achieve, during which time the patient can usually be maintained on medication once or twice a day.

USES

It is used as

• Skeletal muscle relaxant

• Anticonvulsant

• Antianxiety agent

BRANDS

• Calmpose

• Valium

• Diazepam

NITRAZEPAM

7-Nitro-5-phenyl-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

PROPERTIES

It is 

• A yellow crystalline powder

• Slightly soluble in alcohol

• Insoluble in water

USES

It is used as 

• Sedatives and hypnotics

• In the management of myoclonic seizure

BRANDS

• Dormitory

• Nipam

• Nitrosun

OXAZEPAM

IUPAC NAME 

7 Chloro 3 Hydroxy 5 phenyl 1,4 benzodiazepin 2 one

PROPERTIES

It is a white and almost white crystalline powder.

• Slightly soluble in ethanol

• Insoluble in water

USES

It is useful for the control of acute tremulousness, or anxiety associated with alcohol withdrawal (rashes).