Phenazepam
| Phenazepam | |
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7-Bromo-5-(2-chlorophenyl)-1,3-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one[citation needed] |
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| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | 51753-57-2 |
| PubChem | 40113  |
| ChemSpider | 36657 |
| UNII | 3DSB43090Z |
| MeSH | Phenazepam |
| Jmol-3D images | Image 1 Image 2 |
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| Properties | |
| Molecular formula | C15N2H10OBrCl |
| Molar mass | 349.610 g mol-1 |
| Exact mass | 347.966503306 g mol-1 |
| Pharmacology | |
| Elimination half-life |
60 hr[1] |
 (verify) (what is:  / ?)Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) |
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| Infobox references |
Phenazepam is a benzodiazepine drug, which was developed in the Soviet Union and now produced in Russia and some CIS countries. Phenazepam is used in the treatment of neurological disorders such as epilepsy, alcohol withdrawal syndrome and insomnia. It can be used as a premedication before surgery as it augments the effects of anesthetics and reduces anxiety.
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[edit] Dosage
An average phenazepam dosage is 0.5 mg 2-3 times daily. The maximum daily dosage must not exceed 10 mg. 1 mg of phenazepam is thought to be equivalent to 10 mg of diazepam.
[edit] Side effects
Side effects include hiccups, dizziness, loss of coordination and drowsiness, along with anterograde amnesia which can be quite pronounced at high doses. As with other benzodiazepines, in case of abrupt discontinuation following prolonged use, severe withdrawal symptoms may occur including restlessness, anxiety, insomnia, seizures, convulsions and death.
[edit] Contraindications and special caution
Benzodiazepines require special precaution if used in the elderly, during pregnancy, in children, alcohol or drug-dependent individuals and individuals with comorbid psychiatric disorders.[2]
Phenazepam should not be taken with alcohol or any other CNS depressants. Phenazepam should not be used therapeutically for periods of longer than one month including tapering on and off the drug as recommended for any benzodiazepine in the british national formulary. Some patients may require longer term treatment.
[edit] Detection in biological fluids
Phenazepam may be measured in blood or plasma by chromatographic methods. Blood phenazepam concentrations are typically less than 30 μg/L during therapeutic usage, but have frequently been in the 100-600 μg/L range in automotive vehicle operators arrested for impaired driving ability.[3]
[edit] Legal status
Phenazepam does not appear in the list of Controlled Substances in the Laws of either the USA or the UK[4], where in each country, benzodiazepines are generally Class C, Schedule IV substances.
The UK home office banned importation of phenazepam on Friday 22nd July 2011[5],the drug will be added to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 at a later date as a Class C drug.
In the United States the Federal Analog Act applies only to substances classified as Schedule I and Schedule II, where as all controlled benzodiazepines under the Controlled Substances Act are classified as Schedule IV. Phenazepam is currently not controlled.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Species differences in phenazepam kinetics and metabolism, National Center for Biotechnology Information, USA
- ^ Authier, N.; Balayssac, D.; Sautereau, M.; Zangarelli, A.; Courty, P.; Somogyi, AA.; Vennat, B.; Llorca, PM. et al. (Nov 2009). "Benzodiazepine dependence: focus on withdrawal syndrome.". Ann Pharm Fr 67 (6): 408–13. doi:10.1016/j.pharma.2009.07.001. PMID 19900604.
- ^ R. Baselt, Disposition of Toxic Drugs and Chemicals in Man, 9th edition, Biomedical Publications, Seal Beach, CA, 2011, pp. 1320-1321. http://www.biomedicalpublications.com/phenazepam.pdf
- ^ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-14064996
- ^ http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/drugs/drug-law/phenazepam/
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