Phenazepam

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Phenazepam
Systematic (IUPAC) name
7-bromo-5-(2-chlorophenyl)-1,3-dihydro

-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

Identifiers
CAS number 51753-57-2
ATC code  ?
PubChem 40113
Chemical data
Formula C15H10BrClN2O 
Mol. mass 349.609
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability  ?
Metabolism  ?
Half life 60 hours[1]
Excretion  ?
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.

?

Legal status
Routes  ?

Phenazepam is a benzodiazepine drug, which was developed in 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 and insomnia. It can be used as a premedication before surgery as it augments the effects of anesthetics and reduces anxiety.

Contents

[edit] Dosage

An average phenazepam dosage is 0.5 mg 2-3 times daily. The maximum daily dosage must not exceed 10 mg.

[edit] Side effects

Side effects include dizziness, loss of coordination, drowsiness. As with other sedatives, in case of abrupt discontinuation following prolonged use, severe withdrawal symptoms may occur.

[edit] Legal Status

Phenazepam does not appear in the list of Controlled Substances in the Laws of either the USA or the UK, where in each country, benzodiazepines are generally Class C, Schedule IV substances.

In the United States the Controlled Substance Analogue Act applies only to substances in Schedule I and Schedule II. To this date there are no benzodiazepines in either of these schedules, and as such, all benzodiazepines not explicitly scheduled fall outside the analogue act.

According to the official investigation report, effects of phenazepam on pilot Pavel Gruzin may have contributed to errors that caused the crash of Crossair Flight 498.[2]

[edit] References

CAS number 66173-95-3