BENZODIAZEPINES

Examples:  Alprazolam, Chlordiazepoxide, Clorazepate, Clonazepam, Diazepam, Estazolam, Flurazepam, Lorazepam, Midazolam, Oxazepam, Quazepam, Temazepam, Triazolam

Mechanism of action and drug effects:  Bind to specific GABA receptor subunits at central nervous system (CNS) neuronal synapses facilitating frequency of GABA-mediated chloride ion channel opening; enhance membrane hyperpolarization.

Clinical applications:  Acute anxiety states, panic attacks, generalized anxiety disorder, insomnia and other sleep disorders, relaxation of skeletal muscle, anesthesia (adjunctive), and seizure disorders.

Pharmacokinetics, toxicity and drug-drug interactions:  Half-lives from 2–40 h, oral activity.  Toxicity: Extensions of CNS depressant effects, dependence liability.  Interactions: Additive CNS depression with ethanol and many other drugs.

RELATED;

1.  ZOLPIDEM

2.  BARBITURATES

3.  PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS