Nitrazepam

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Nitrazepam
Systematic (IUPAC) name
9-nitro-6-phenyl-2,5-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undeca- 5,8,10,12-tetraen-3-one
Identifiers
CAS number	146-22-5
ATC code	N05 CD02
PubChem	4506
DrugBank	none
Chemical data
Formula	C₁₅H₁₁N₃O₃
Mol. weight	281.3 g/mol
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	?
Metabolism	Hepatic
Half life	20 to 40 hours
Excretion	Renal
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.	?
Legal status	Schedule IV(US)
Routes	Oral

Nitrazepam (marketed under the trade names Alodorm®, Mogadon®, Nitredon®, Nilandron®) is a powerful hypnotic drug, which is a benzodiazepine derivative. It possesses powerful anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, amnestic, sedative and skeletal muscle relaxant properties.

Nitrazepam shortens the time required to fall asleep and lengthens the duration of sleep. Typically, it may work within an hour and allow the individual to maintain sleep for 4 to 6 hours. It is no longer available in the United States.

1 Pharmacology
2 Indications
3 Dosage
4 Side effects
5 Interactions
6 Contraindications
7 Overdose
8 Legal Status
9 External links

[edit] Pharmacology

The pharmacological action of nitrazepam is thought to be the result of its facilitating the action of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitor neurotransmitter.

[edit] Indications

Nitrazepam is used to treat epilepsy (myoclonic seizures) and insomnia.

[edit] Dosage

When used for treatment of insomnia, the usual dose for adults is 2.5mg to 10mg, taken at bedtime.

When used for treatment of myoclonic seizures, the dose is based on body weight. The dose for children (30kg or less) is anywhere from 0.3mg/kg to 1mg/kg, daily in three divided doses.

Nitrazepam is available in 5mg and 10mg tablets. In Australia and the United Kingdom it is only available in 5mg tablets.

[edit] Side effects

Side effects can include:

Somnolence
Impaired motor function
- Impaired coordination
- Impaired balance
- Dizziness
Amnesia
Confusion
Lack of concentration
Headache, "hangover" feeling in the morning.

[edit] Interactions

See Diazepam#Interactions.

[edit] Contraindications

See Diazepam#Contraindications.

[edit] Overdose

See Diazepam#Overdose.

[edit] Legal Status

In the United States, nitrazepam is a Schedule IV drug available by prescription only. Internationally, nitrazepam is a Schedule IV drug under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances [1].

[edit] External links

Inchem - Nitrazepam

Benzodiazepines edit
Adinazolam, Alprazolam, Bentazepam, Bromazepam, Brotizolam, Camazepam, Chlordiazepoxide, Cinolazepam, Clobazam, Clonazepam, Clorazepate, Clotiazepam, Cloxazolam, Cyprazepam, Diazepam, Doxefazepam, Estazolam, Ethyl loflazepate, Etizolam, Fludiazepam, Flunitrazepam, Flurazepam, Flutazolam, Flutoprazepam, Gidazepam, Halazepam, Haloxazolam, Ketazolam, Loprazolam, Lorazepam, Lormetazepam, Medazepam, Mexazolam, Midazolam, Nimetazepam, Nitrazepam, Nordazepam, Oxazepam, Oxazolam, Phenazepam, Pinazepam, Prazepam, Quazepam, Temazepam, Tetrazepam, Tofisopam, Triazolam, Zolazepam