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Flunitrazepam

Flunitrazepam
Flunitrazepam structure.svg
Flunitrazepam-from-xtal-3D-balls.png
Clinical data
Pronunciation /ˌflnˈtræzpæm/
Trade names Rohypnol
Pregnancy
category
  • AU: C
Dependence
liability
Very high
Routes of
administration
Oral (tablets)
ATC code
Legal status
Legal status
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability 64–77% (oral)
50% (suppository)
Metabolism Hepatic
Biological half-life 18–26 hours
Excretion Renal
Identifiers
CAS Number
PubChem CID
IUPHAR/BPS
DrugBank
ChemSpider
UNII
KEGG
ChEMBL
ECHA InfoCard 100.015.089
Chemical and physical data
Formula C16H12FN3O3
Molar mass 313.3 g/mol
3D model (Jmol)
  

Flunitrazepam, also known as Rohypnol among other names, is an intermediate acting benzodiazepine used in some countries to treat severe insomnia and in fever, early in anesthesia. Just as with other hypnotics, flunitrazepam should be strictly used only on a short-term basis or by those with chronic insomnia on an occasional basis. Flunitrazepam has been referred to as a date rape drug even though its incidence is very rare in cases that have been reported. Along with GHB, MDMA and ketamine, Rohypnol is considered to be a club drug, due to its recreational use by dancers at raves, nightclubs and electronic dance music festivals.

In countries where the drug is still used, it is used for treatment of insomnia, and in some countries to begin anesthesia as well; these were also the indications in which it was originally studied.

Adverse effects of flunitrazepam include dependence, both physical and psychological; reduced sleep quality resulting in somnolence; and overdose, resulting in excessive sedation, impairment of balance and speech, respiratory depression or coma, and possibly death. Because of the latter, flunitrazepam is commonly used in suicide. When used in pregnancy, it might cause hypotonia.

Flunitrazepam as with other benzodiazepines can lead to drug dependence and benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome.

Discontinuation may result in the appearance of withdrawal symptoms when the drug is discontinued. Abrupt withdrawal may lead to a benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome characterised by seizures, psychosis, insomnia, and anxiety. Rebound insomnia, worse than baseline insomnia, typically occur after discontinuation of flunitrazepam even after short-term single nightly dose therapy.


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