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what drug class is flurazepam

by Cristal Krajcik Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Flurazepam is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines. It works by slowing activity in the brain to allow sleep.May 15, 2021

Precautions

Flurazepam is a "classical" benzodiazepine; some other classical benzodiazepines include diazepam, clonazepam, oxazepam, lorazepam, nitrazepam, bromazepam, and clorazepate. Flurazepam generates an active metabolite, N-desalkylflurazepam, with a very long elimination half-life.

Is flurazepam a benzodiazepine?

Flurazepam, 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.

How does flurazepam work in the body?

Flurazepam was patented in 1968 and came into medical use the same year. Flurazepam, developed by Roche Pharmaceuticals was one of the first benzo hypnotics (sleeping pills) to be marketed.

When was flurazepam invented?

It has a molecular weight of 460.826 and the following structural formula: Dalmane (flurazepam) is a hypnotic agent useful for the treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulty in falling asleep, frequent nocturnal awakenings, and/or early morning awakening.

What is the molecular weight of flurazepam?

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Is flurazepam an opiate?

Is flurazepam an opioid? No, flurazepam is not an opioid medication, opioid medications are used for pain. It's a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines and opioids can cause dangerous side effects, such as slowed breathing, extreme sleepiness and even death, if used together.

Is flurazepam a barbiturate?

Flurazepam (marketed under the brand names Dalmane and Dalmadorm) is a drug which is a benzodiazepine derivative. It possesses anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, hypnotic, sedative and skeletal muscle relaxant properties....Flurazepam.Clinical dataCAS Number17617-23-1PubChem CID3393IUPHAR/BPS7188DrugBankDB0069034 more rows

Is flurazepam a controlled substance?

Flurazepam hydrochloride is a federal controlled substance (C-IV) because it contains Flurazepam that can be abused or lead to dependence. Keep in a safe place to prevent misuse and abuse.

What is drug flurazepam used for?

Flurazepam is used to treat insomnia (trouble with sleeping). This medicine helps you get to sleep faster and sleep through the night. Flurazepam is a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines belong to the group of medicines called central nervous system (CNS) depressants, which are medicines that slow down the nervous system.

Is flurazepam stronger than diazepam?

Flurazepam was shown to be a more effective hypnotic in over 60% of the patients, whereas diazepam was effective in less than 19% of the patients.

Is flurazepam the same as lorazepam?

In summary, both lorazepam 2 mg at bedtime and flurazepam 30 mg at bedtime were found to be effective and safe for treating chronic insomnia, as measured by parameters of sleep and daytime functioning. Lorazepam had more favorable effects on sleep than did flurazepam.

What are the 3 types of benzos?

There are three types of benzodiazepines: long, intermediate and short-acting. Short-acting benzodiazepines have stronger withdrawal or 'come down' effects and can be more addictive than long-acting ones.

What is a good substitute for flurazepam?

Flurazepam (Dalmane and generic) Quazepam (Doral) Temazepam (Restoril and generic) Triazolam (Halcion and generic)

How strong is flurazepam?

Dalmane (flurazepam) is available as capsules containing 15 mg or 30 mg flurazepam hydrochloride.

Is flurazepam habit forming?

Flurazepam may be habit forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer time than your doctor tells you to. Tell your doctor if you have ever drunk large amounts of alcohol, if you use or have ever used street drugs, or have overused prescription medications.

How much flurazepam does it take to overdose?

The overdose is considered to have been above 2.4 g (80 tablets).

How long does it take flurazepam to work?

Flurazepam starts to take effect within a half-hour to an hour of taking it via normal means, and the FDA publishes that its mean half-life is a little over two hours. It is interesting in that the more a person takes it, the longer the drug may remain effective and active in the body.

What drugs are considered barbiturates?

Which drugs are barbiturates?Amobarbital. This can treat insomnia, but it's only effective in the short term. ... Butalbital. This medication is part of many combination medications, including aspirin, acetaminophen, caffeine and codeine. ... Methohexital. ... Pentobarbital. ... Phenobarbital. ... Primidone. ... Secobarbital.

What type of drugs are barbiturates?

Barbiturates are a group of drugs in the class of drugs known as sedative-hypnotics, which generally describes their sleep-inducing and anxiety-decreasing effects. Barbiturates can be extremely dangerous because the correct dose is difficult to predict. Even a slight overdose can cause coma or death.

What is classified as a barbiturate?

Barbiturates are depressants that produce a wide spectrum of central nervous system depression from mild sedation to coma. They also have been used as sedatives, hypnotics, anesthetics, and anticonvulsants. Barbiturates are classified as: • Ultrashort, Short, Intermediate, Long-acting.

Is benzodiazepine the same as barbiturate?

Barbiturates are much more potent than benzodiazepines, which is the most significant reason why the latter eventually replaced the former in everyday medical practices. Daytime sedation was one of the many breakthroughs to be discovered as benzodiazepines were introduced into the pharmaceutical industry.

What is flurazepam hydrochloride used for?

Flurazepam hydrochloride capsules are indicated for the treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulty in falling asleep, frequent nocturnal awakenings, and/or early morning awakenings [see Clinical Studies (14) ].

How much flurazepam is in a capsule?

Flurazepam Hydrochloride Capsules, USP are available containing either 15 mg or 30 mg of Flurazepam hydrochloride, USP. The 15 mg capsule is a hard-shell gelatin capsule with a white opaque cap and a powder blue opaque body filled with off-white to yellow powder.

How long does it take for flurazepam to affect sleep?

The risk of next-day psychomotor impairment is increased if Flurazepam is taken with less than a full night of sleep remaining (7 to 8 hours); if higher than the recommended dose is taken; if coadministered with other CNS depressants [see Dosage and Administration (2) ].

How to reduce withdrawal reactions from flurazepam?

To reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions, use a gradual taper to discontinue Flurazepam hydrochloride capsules or reduce the dosage. If a patient develops withdrawal reactions, consider pausing the taper or increasing the dosage to the previous tapered dosage level. Subsequently decrease the dosage more slowly [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.3)].

How long does flurazepam stay in your system?

Following a single oral dose, peak Flurazepam plasma concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 4.0 ng/mL occur at 30 to 60 minutes post-dosing. The harmonic mean apparent half-life of Flurazepam is 2.3 hours. The blood level profile of Flurazepam and its major metabolites was determined in man following the oral administration of 30 mg daily for 2 weeks. The N1-hydroxyethyl-Flurazepam was measurable only during the early hours after a 30 mg dose and was not detectable after 24 hours. The major metabolite in blood was N1-desalkyl-Flurazepam, which reached steady-state (plateau) levels after 7 to 10 days of dosing, at levels approximately 5- to 6-fold greater than the 24-hour levels observed on Day 1. The half-life of elimination of N1-desalkyl-Flurazepam ranged from 47 to 100 hours. The major urinary metabolite is conjugated N1-hydroxyethyl-Flurazepam which accounts for 22% to 55% of the dose. Less than 1% of the dose is excreted in the urine as N1-desalkyl-Flurazepam.

What are the symptoms of flurazepam overdose?

Manifestations of Flurazepam hydrochloride overdosage include somnolence, confusion and coma. Respiration, pulse and blood pressure should be monitored as in all cases of drug overdosage. General supportive measures should be employed, along with immediate gastric lavage. Intravenous fluids should be administered and an adequate airway maintained. Hypotension and CNS depression may be combated by judicious use of appropriate therapeutic agents. The value of dialysis has not been determined. If excitation occurs in patients following Flurazepam hydrochloride overdosage, barbiturates should not be used. As with the management of intentional overdosage with any drug, it should be borne in mind that multiple agents may have been ingested.

How long does it take for flurazepam to work after discontinuing?

This pharmacokinetic profile may be responsible for the clinical observation that Flurazepam is increasingly effective on the second or third night of consecutive use and that for 1 or 2 nights after the drug is discontinued both sleep latency and total wake time may still be decreased.

When was flurazepam invented?

It produces a metabolite with a long half-life, which may stay in the bloodstream for days. Flurazepam was patented in 1968 and came into medical use the same year. Flurazepam, developed by Roche Pharmaceuticals was one of the first benzo hypnotics (sleeping pills) to be marketed.

When will flurazepam be available again?

In October of 2019, the FDA informed pharmacies that they could expect to be resupplied by manufacturers in early to mid December 2019. As of this date, Flurazepam is now again available in the United States.

How long does it take for benzodiazepine to go away after discontinuing flurazepam?

After discontinuation of flurazepam a rebound effect or benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome may occur about four days after discontinuation of medication.

Does flurazepam help with sleep?

Non-pharmacological treatment options however, were found to have sustained improvements in sleep quality. Flurazepam and other benzodiazepines such as fosazepam, and nitrazepam lost some of their effect after seven days administration in psychogeriatric patients.

Is Flurazepam discontinued?

loprazolam, lormetazepam, temazepam ). Flurazepam was temporarily unavailable in the United States when its sole producer, Mylan Pharmaceuticals, discontinued making it in January 2019.

Is flurazepam a benzodiazepine?

Flurazepam (marketed under the brand names Dalmane and Dalmadorm) is a drug which is a benzodiazepine derivative. It possesses anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, hypnotic, sedative and skeletal muscle relaxant properties. It produces a metabolite with a long half-life, which may stay in the bloodstream for days.

Is flurazepam safe for pregnancy?

Flurazepam is contraindicated in pregnancy. It is recommended to withdraw flurazepam during breast feeding, as flurazepam is excreted in breast milk.

What is flurazepam used for?

Uses. This medication is used to treat a certain sleep problem ( insomnia ). It may help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and lessen how often you wake up during the night, so you can get a better night's rest. Flurazepam belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines.

How long does it take for flurazepam to work?

It acts on your brain to produce a calming effect.Use of this medication is usually limited to treatment periods of 1 to 2 weeks or less. If your insomnia continues for a longer time, talk to your doctor to see if you need other treatment.

Can you take flurazepam with codeine?

Taking flurazepam with opioid medications (such as codeine, hydrocodone) may increase your risk of very serious side effects, including death. To lower your risk, your doctor should have you take the smallest dose of flurazepam that works, and take it for the shortest possible time.

Can you lower flurazepam?

To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used flurazepam for a long time or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal. When this medication is used for a long time, it may not work as well.

What is flurazepam used for?

Flurazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine with a rapid onset of action that is commonly used to treat insomnia.

What is the mechanism of action of flurazepam?

Mechanism of action. Flurazepam binds to an allosteric site on GABA-A receptors. Binding potentia tes the action of GABA on GABA-A receptors by opening the chloride channel within the receptor, causing chloride influx and hyperpolarization. Target.

How long does flurazepam last?

The mean apparent half-life of flurazepam is 2.3 hours. The half life of elimination of N1-des-alkyl- flurazepam ranged from 47 to 100 hours

How do benzodiazepines modulate Gaba?

Benzodiazepines modulate GABA (A) function by binding at the interface between alpha (α) and gamma (γ) subunits. Of the 6 α-subunits, only 4 (α-1, -2, -3, and -5) participate in the formation of this binding site. The above target is a collection of all α- and γ-subunits that are known to participate in the formation of the benzodiazepine binding site.

What is the class of compounds that contain benzene ring?

This compound belongs to the class of organic compounds known as 1,4-benzodiazepines. These are organic compounds containing a benzene ring fused to a 1,4-azepine.

Does flurazepam increase antihemophilic factor?

Antihemophilic factor (recombinant), PEGylated. Flurazepam may decrease the excretion rate of Antihemophilic factor ( recombinant), PEGylated which could result in a higher serum level.

Is flurazepam excreted in urine?

Flurazepam is rapidly metabolized and is excreted primarily in the urine. Both hydroxyethyl flurazepam (the major metabolite) and N-desalkyl flurazepam are active. The N-desalkyl metabolite is slowly excreted in the urine as the conjugated form

What is the chemical formula for flurazepam?

Flurazepam hydrochloride is chemically 7-chloro-1- [2- (diethylamino)ethyl]-5- (o- fluorophenyl) -1,3-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one dihydrochloride. It is a pale yellow, crystalline compound, freely soluble in USP alcohol and very soluble in water. It has a molecular weight of 460.826 and the following structural formula:

How long does it take for flurazepam to be absorbed?

Following a single oral dose, peak flurazepam plasma concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 4.0 ng/mL occur at 30 to 60 minutes post-dosing.

How long does it take to detect flurazepam?

The blood level profile of flurazepam and its major metabolites was determined in man following the oral administration of 30 mg daily for 2 weeks. The N1-hydroxyethyl-flurazepam was measurable only during the early hours after a 30-mg dose and was not detectable after 24 hours.

What are the symptoms of drug intolerance?

Dizziness, drowsiness, light-headedness, staggering, ataxia and falling have occurred, particularly in elderly or debilitated persons. Severe sedation, lethargy, disorientation and coma, probably indicative of drug intolerance or overdosage, have been reported.

Is flumazenil a substitute for benzodiazepine?

Flumazenil is intended as an adjunct to, not as a substitute for, proper management of ben zodiazepine overdose. Patients treated with flumazenil should be monitored for resedation, respiratory depression and other residual benzodiazepine effects for an appropriate period after treatment.

What is the purpose of flurazepam?

Flurazepam is used to treat insomnia (difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep). Flurazepam is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines. It works by slowing activity in the brain to allow sleep.

How to take flurazepam?

Flurazepam comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken as needed at bedtime. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take flurazepam exactly as directed.

What to do if you are allergic to flurazepam?

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to flurazepam, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in flurazepam capsules. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking ...

How long does it take for flurazepam to work?

Flurazepam starts working slowly and continues to work for a short time after you stop taking it. You may experience more benefit from flurazepam on the second and third nights after you start taking it. You may continue to feel the effects of flurazepam for one to two nights after you stop taking the medication.

What medications are used for anxiety?

Be sure to mention any of the following: antihistamines; cimetidine; clozapine (Clozaril, Versacloz); digoxin; medications for anxiety, depression, mental illness, or seizures; muscle relaxants; sedatives; other sleeping pills; and tranquilizers.

Can you take flurazepam if you have a habit?

Flurazepam may be habit forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer time than your doctor tells you to. Tell your doctor if you have ever drunk large amounts of alcohol, if you use or have ever used street drugs, or have overused prescription medications. Do not drink alcohol or use street drugs during your treatment. Drinking alcohol or using street drugs during your treatment with flurazepam also increases the risk that you will experience these serious, life-threatening side effects. Also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had depression or another mental illness.

Can older people take flurazepam?

Older adults should not usually take flurazepam because it is not as safe as other medications that can be used to treat the same condition. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking flurazepam.

What is the purpose of flurazepam?

Flurazepam is used to treat insomnia (trouble with sleeping). This medicine helps you get to sleep faster and sleep through the night. Flurazepam is a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines belong to the group of medicines called central nervous system (CNS) depressants, which are medicines that slow down the nervous system.

What are the side effects of flurazepam?

With any medication, there are risks and benefits. Even if the medication is working, you may experience some unwanted side effects.

What are the risks and warnings for flurazepam?

Flurazepam can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options

How much does flurazepam cost?

Flurazepam is available as a generic medication and may be significantly cheaper compared to the brand version. Unless there is a specific reason you need the brand, the generic medication will be a better value. For even more savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.

What are alternatives to flurazepam?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of flurazepam. Compare a few possible alternatives below.

What are some examples of CNS depressants?

Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, other allergies, or colds, sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine, prescription pain medicine or narcotics, barbiturates or medicine for seizures, muscle relaxants, or anesthetics (numbing medicines), including some dental anesthetics. This effect may last for a few days after you stop taking this medicine. Check with your doctor before taking any of the above while you are using this medicine.

What happens if you take flurazepam?

Other changes might be confusion, worsening of depression, hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there), suicidal thoughts, and unusual excitement, nervousness, or irritability.

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Indications and Usage For Flurazepam

This medication is used to treat a certain sleep problem (insomnia).

May Treat: Insomnia

Brand Names: Dalmane

Drug Class: Benzodiazepines · Sedative-Hypnotic - Benzodiazepines

Availability: Prescription Required

Pregnancy: Do not use. This medication may be harmful to an unborn child.

May Treat: Insomnia

Brand Names: Dalmane

Drug Class: Benzodiazepines · Sedative-Hypnotic - Benzodiazepines

Availability: Prescription Required

Pregnancy: Do not use. This medication may be harmful to an unborn child.

Lactation: This drug should not be given to breastfeeding mothers

Alcohol: Avoid intake while taking this medication

Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution

Addiction: Risk of abuse and addiction. Use only as directed

Precautions

  • Before use, important to read the Medication Guide
  • Not recommended during pregnancy.
  • Makes you sleepy. Use caution driving next day.

  • Before use, important to read the Medication Guide
  • Not recommended during pregnancy.
  • Makes you sleepy. Use caution driving next day.
  • Avoid alcohol/other drugs that make you sleepy
  • May be habit forming
  • MD may need to reduce the dose before you stop it.
  • Tell doctor is you start having memory problems.
  • Call if you find you are doing things while asleep

Flurazepam Dosage and Administration

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Contraindications

Warnings and Precautions

Adverse Reactions

Drug Interactions

Use in Specific Populations

Drug Abuse and Dependence

Overdosage

Overview

Side effects

Medical uses

  • Controlled Substance
    Flurazepam is a Schedule IV controlled substance.
  • Abuse
    Flurazepam hydrochloride capsules are a benzodiazepine and a CNS depressant with a potential for abuse and addiction. Abuse is the intentional, non-therapeutic use of a drug, even once, for its desirable psychological or physiological effects. Misuse is the intentional use, for therapeutic pur…
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Contraindications and special caution

Pharmacology

Society and culture

The most common adverse effects are dizziness, drowsiness, light-headedness, and ataxia. Flurazepam has abuse potential and should never be used with alcoholic beverages or any other substance that can cause drowsiness. Addictive and possibly fatal results may occur. Flurazepam users should only take this drug strictly as prescribed, and should only be taken directly before the user plans on sleeping a full night. Next day drowsiness is common and may increase during th…

See also

External links

1.Flurazepam Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com

Url:https://www.drugs.com/mtm/flurazepam.html

30 hours ago Web · Flurazepam side effects. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; nausea and vomiting; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Flurazepam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol. A person caring for you should seek ...

2.Flurazepam - Wikipedia

Url:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flurazepam

5 hours ago Web · Flurazepam. Brand Name: , Dalmane; Drug Class: Anxiolytics, Benzodiazepines, Sedatives

3.Flurazepam Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, …

Url:https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-8655/flurazepam-oral/details

16 hours ago WebFlurazepam may be habit forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer time than your doctor tells you to. Tell your doctor if you have ever drunk large …

4.Flurazepam: Generic, Uses, Side Effects, Dosages, …

Url:https://www.rxlist.com/dalmane_flurazepam/drugs-condition.htm

7 hours ago

5.Flurazepam: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action

Url:https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00690

28 hours ago

6.Dalmane (Flurazepam): Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, …

Url:https://www.rxlist.com/dalmane-drug.htm

13 hours ago

7.Flurazepam: MedlinePlus Drug Information

Url:https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682051.html

12 hours ago

8.Flurazepam - LiverTox - NCBI Bookshelf

Url:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548683/

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9.Flurazepam: Basics, Side Effects & Reviews - GoodRx

Url:https://www.goodrx.com/flurazepam/what-is

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