ATC Group: N05CD Benzodiazepine derivatives

Brotizolam is a sleep inducing agent. Chemically, it is a triazolo-thienodiazepine. It shortens the time needed to fall asleep, reduces the frequency of awakenings, and prolongs total sleep time.

Estazolam, a triazolobenzodiazepine derivative, is an oral hypnotic agent. It is indicated for the short-term management of insomnia.

Flunitrazepam is a member of the benzodiazepine group of drugs and is closely related to nitrazepam, flurazepam and clonazepam. It has marked sedative and hypnotic properties with a rapid onset of action and is used in severe cases of insomnia.

Flurazepam is a psychotropic substance from the class of 1,4-benzodiazepines. Flurazepam binds to specific benzodiazepine receptors located on GABA-ergic neurones and potentiates the inhibitory actions of GABA-ergic neurones in the nervous system. Flurazepam is used as a short-term treatment of insomnia.

Benzodiazepines have a widespread action as a result of their enhancing the release of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). They are effective as anti-convulsants, muscle relaxants, anti-anxiety agents, pre-medications and sedative hypnotics. Loprazolam is indicated for the short-term treatment of insomnia including difficulty in falling asleep and/or frequent nocturnal awakenings.

Lormetazepam is a benzodiazepine with anxiolytic, muscle relaxant, sedative and hypnotic properties. Clinical studies have shown minimal effects on REM sleep and on psychomotor performance on the day after treatment with lormetazepam. Lormetazepam is indicated for the short term treatment of insomnia.

Midazolam is a derivative of the imidazobenzodiazepine group. The free base is a lipophilic substance with low solubility in water. The basic nitrogen in position 2 of the imidazobenzodiazepine ring system enables the active ingredient of midazolam to form water-soluble salts with acids.

Nitrazepam is a benzodiazepine compound with sedative properties. It acts in 30 to 60 minutes to produce sleep lasting 6 to 8 hours.

Quazepam, like other central nervous system agents of the 1,4-benzodiazepine class, presumably exerts its effects by binding to stereo-specific receptors at several sites within the central nervous system (CNS). The exact mechanism of action is unknown. Quazepam is indicated for the treatment of insomnia.

Remimazolam is an ultra-short acting benzodiazepine sedative. The effects of remimazolam on the CNS are dependent on the dose administered intravenously and presence or absence of other medicinal products. Remimazolam binds to benzodiazepine sites of gamma amino butyric acid type A [GABA_A] receptors with high affinity, while its carboxylic acid metabolite (CNS7054) has approximately 300 times lower affinity for these receptors.

Temazepam is a benzodiazepine with hypnotic and sedative effects as well as anxiolytic activity. Temazepam effects are likely to be due to potentiation of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), although other neurotransmitters may also be affected.

Triazolam is a short-acting benzodiazepine with anticonvulsant anxiolytic, sedative, muscle relaxant and amnesic properties. It is used as a hypnotic in the short-term management of insomnia.