4703 Mexazolam Mexazolam (marketed under the trade names Melex and Sedoxil) is a drug which is a benzodiazepine derivative. Mexazolam has been trialed for anxiety and was found to be effective in alleviating anxiety at one week follow-up, however, after three weeks of therapy mexazolam had lost its therapeutic anxiolytic properties becoming no more effective than placebo, presumably due to benzodiazepine tolerance. Mexazolam is metabolised via the CYP3A4 pathway. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors including simvastatin, simvastatin acid, lovastatin, fluvastatin, atorvastatin and cerivastatin inhibit the metabolism of mexazolam, but not the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor pravastatin. 31868-18-5 4177 C18H16Cl2N2O2 White powder. Benzodiazepines bind nonspecifically to benzodiazepine receptors BNZ1, which mediates sleep, and BNZ2, which affects affects muscle relaxation, anticonvulsant activity, motor coordination, and memory. As benzodiazepine receptors are thought to be coupled to gamma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABAA) receptors, this enhances the effects of GABA by increasing GABA affinity for the GABA receptor. Binding of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA to the site opens the chloride channel, resulting in a hyperpolarized cell membrane that prevents further excitation of the cell. No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC). Mexazolam has been trialed for anxiety and was found to be effective in alleviating anxiety at one week follow-up, however, after three weeks of therapy mexazolam had lost its therapeutic anxiolytic properties becoming no more effective than placebo, presumably due to benzodiazepine tolerance. General supportive measures should be employed, along with intravenous fluids, and an adequate airway maintained. Hypotension may be combated by the use of norepinephrine or metaraminol. Dialysis is of limited value. Flumazenil (Anexate) is a competitive benzodiazepine receptor antagonist that can be used as an antidote for benzodiazepine overdose. In particular, flumazenil is very effective at reversing the CNS depression associated with benzodiazepines but is less effective at reversing respiratory depression. Its use, however, is controversial as it has numerous contraindications. It is contraindicated in patients who are on long-term benzodiazepines, those who have ingested a substance that lowers the seizure threshold, or in patients who have tachycardia or a history of seizures. As a general rule, medical observation and supportive care are the mainstay of treatment of benzodiazepine overdose. Although benzodiazepines are absorbed by activated charcoal, gastric decontamination with activated charcoal is not beneficial in pure benzodiazepine overdose as the risk of adverse effects often outweigh any potential benefit from the procedure. It is recommended only if benzodiazepines have been taken in combination with other drugs that may benefit from decontamination. Gastric lavage (stomach pumping) or whole bowel irrigation are also not recommended. 2014-09-08T02:40:36Z 2014-12-24T20:26:54Z true CC1COC2(N1CC(O)=NC1=C2C=C(Cl)C=C1)C1=CC=CC=C1Cl C18H16Cl2N2O2 InChI=1/C18H16Cl2N2O2/c1-11-10-24-18(13-4-2-3-5-15(13)20)14-8-12(19)6-7-16(14)21-17(23)9-22(11)18/h2-8,11H,9-10H2,1H3,(H,21,23) InChIKey=ANUCDXCTICZJRH-UHFFFAOYNA-N 363.238 362.05888318 Exogenous Solid CHEMBL1743261 4033