Pyrazolam: Difference between revisions

Pyrazolam
	File:Pyrazolam structure.png
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Routes of administration
Pregnancy category
Bioavailability
Metabolism
Elimination half-life
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Legal status
CAS Number	39241-27-5
PubChem	9827100
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ChemSpider	8003030
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Revision as of 19:04, 22 March 2025

A benzodiazepine derivative

Pyrazolam is a benzodiazepine derivative that was first synthesized in the 1970s. It is known for its anxiolytic properties and is used primarily in research settings. Unlike many other benzodiazepines, pyrazolam is not commonly prescribed for therapeutic use.

Chemical Structure and Properties

Pyrazolam belongs to the triazolobenzodiazepine class, which is characterized by the fusion of a triazole ring to the benzodiazepine structure. The chemical formula for pyrazolam is C₁₆H₁₂BrN₅. It is structurally related to other benzodiazepines such as alprazolam and bromazepam.

Pharmacology

Pyrazolam acts as a positive allosteric modulator of the [[GABA_A receptor]], which enhances the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This action results in increased inhibitory neurotransmission in the brain, leading to its anxiolytic effects. Pyrazolam has a high affinity for the benzodiazepine site on the GABA_A receptor, which contributes to its potency.

Effects

The primary effects of pyrazolam include:

Anxiolytic: Reduction of anxiety and stress.
Sedative: Induction of calmness and relaxation.
Muscle relaxant: Reduction of muscle tension.

Unlike some other benzodiazepines, pyrazolam is reported to have minimal hypnotic effects, making it less likely to induce sleep.

Usage

Pyrazolam is not approved for medical use in most countries and is primarily used in research settings to study the effects of benzodiazepines on the central nervous system. It is sometimes encountered in the designer drug market, where it is sold as a research chemical.

Legal Status

The legal status of pyrazolam varies by country. In some jurisdictions, it is classified as a controlled substance, while in others, it remains unscheduled. Researchers and users should be aware of the legal implications of possessing or using pyrazolam in their respective regions.

Safety and Toxicity

As with other benzodiazepines, the use of pyrazolam carries the risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Overdose can lead to severe central nervous system depression, respiratory depression, and potentially fatal outcomes. Caution is advised when using pyrazolam, especially in combination with other central nervous system depressants such as alcohol or opioids.

Related Pages

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-[[File:Pyrazolam-skeletal.svg|thumb|Pyrazolam]]
+{{Short description|A benzodiazepine derivative}}
-== Pyrazolam: An In-depth Overview of its Discovery, Pharmacology, and Clinical Implications ==
+{{Drugbox
+| verifiedfields = changed
+| verifiedrevid = 477002123
+| IUPAC_name = 8-bromo-1-methyl-6-phenyl-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,4]benzodiazepine
+| image = Pyrazolam_structure.png
+| width = 200
+| CAS_number = 39241-27-5
+| PubChem = 9827100
+| ChemSpiderID = 8003030
+| UNII = 3F0I74K3X7
+| C=16
+| H=12
+| Br=1
+| N=5
+| smiles = CN1C2=NC=NN2C3=C(C=C(C=C3)Br)C4=CC=CC=C4C1
+}}
-'''Pyrazolam''' is a derivative of the benzodiazepine class, an important group of drugs with diverse therapeutic applications ranging from the treatment of anxiety disorders to muscle relaxation and the induction of anesthesia.
+'''Pyrazolam''' is a [[benzodiazepine]] derivative that was first synthesized in the 1970s. It is known for its anxiolytic properties and is used primarily in research settings. Unlike many other benzodiazepines, pyrazolam is not commonly prescribed for therapeutic use.
-=== Historical Background ===
+==Chemical Structure and Properties==
+Pyrazolam belongs to the [[triazolobenzodiazepine]] class, which is characterized by the fusion of a triazole ring to the benzodiazepine structure. The chemical formula for pyrazolam is C<sub>16</sub>H<sub>12</sub>BrN<sub>5</sub>. It is structurally related to other benzodiazepines such as [[alprazolam]] and [[bromazepam]].
-Pyrazolam was originally synthesized in the 1970s by a research team led by the renowned chemist, '''Dr. Leo Sternbach''', at [[Hoffman-La Roche]]<ref name="sternbach1">Sternbach, L. H. (1972). The benzodiazepine story. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 15(5), 439-444.</ref>. While its potential was recognized, it was not developed for commercial use immediately. Fast forward to 2012, and the compound was "rediscovered" and began being distributed as a [[research chemical]]<ref name="researchchem2">Morris, H., & Wallach, J. (2014). From PCP to MXE: a comprehensive review of the non-medical use of dissociative drugs. Drug Testing and Analysis, 6(7-8), 614-632.</ref>.
+==Pharmacology==
+Pyrazolam acts as a [[positive allosteric modulator]] of the [[GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor]], which enhances the effect of the neurotransmitter [[gamma-aminobutyric acid]] (GABA). This action results in increased [[inhibitory neurotransmission]] in the brain, leading to its anxiolytic effects. Pyrazolam has a high affinity for the benzodiazepine site on the GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor, which contributes to its potency.
-=== Structural and Pharmacological Properties ===
+==Effects==
+The primary effects of pyrazolam include:
+* Anxiolytic: Reduction of anxiety and stress.
+* Sedative: Induction of calmness and relaxation.
+* Muscle relaxant: Reduction of muscle tension.
-* '''Chemical Structure''': Pyrazolam bears structural similarities to another well-known benzodiazepine, [[alprazolam]]. The distinctions in their molecular structures account for the unique pharmacological profiles of each compound<ref name="structure3">US Patent 4105776 - 5-ARYL-1,4-BENZODIAZEPINES</ref>.
+Unlike some other benzodiazepines, pyrazolam is reported to have minimal [[hypnotic]] effects, making it less likely to induce sleep.
-* '''Anxiolytic Effects''': Pyrazolam's primary therapeutic application lies in its potent anxiolytic effects. Remarkably, its anxiolytic activity is approximately 12 times more potent than [[diazepam]], a commonly used benzodiazepine for anxiety<ref name="anxiolytic4">Vinkers, C. H., & Olivier, B. (2012). Mechanisms underlying tolerance after long-term benzodiazepine use: A future for subtype-selective GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor modulators?. Advances in Pharmacological Sciences, 2012.</ref>.
+==Usage==
+Pyrazolam is not approved for medical use in most countries and is primarily used in research settings to study the effects of benzodiazepines on the central nervous system. It is sometimes encountered in the [[designer drug]] market, where it is sold as a research chemical.
-* '''Anticonvulsant and Hypnotic Properties''': While its primary use is an anxiolytic, when administered at higher doses, pyrazolam demonstrates anticonvulsant and hypnotic effects. These properties might be of interest for further clinical applications<ref name="anticonvulsant5">Fleck, M. W. (2006). Molecular actions of (nonbenzodiazepine) drugs on GABA<sub>A</sub> receptors. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, 30(6), 920-930.</ref>.
+==Legal Status==
+The legal status of pyrazolam varies by country. In some jurisdictions, it is classified as a controlled substance, while in others, it remains unscheduled. Researchers and users should be aware of the legal implications of possessing or using pyrazolam in their respective regions.
-* '''Receptor Subtype Selectivity''': Pyrazolam exhibits a preferential selectivity for the GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor subtypes α2 and α3. This selectivity profile can help predict the drug's therapeutic effects and side effect profile<ref name="receptor6">Sieghart, W. (1995). Structure and pharmacology of gamma-aminobutyric acid<sub>A</sub> receptor subtypes. Pharmacological Reviews, 47(2), 181-234.</ref>.
+==Safety and Toxicity==
+As with other benzodiazepines, the use of pyrazolam carries the risk of [[dependence]] and [[withdrawal symptoms]]. Overdose can lead to severe [[central nervous system depression]], respiratory depression, and potentially fatal outcomes. Caution is advised when using pyrazolam, especially in combination with other central nervous system depressants such as [[alcohol]] or [[opioids]].
-=== Metabolic Profile ===
+==Related Pages==
+* [[Benzodiazepine]]
+* [[GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor]]
+* [[Anxiolytic]]
+* [[Triazolobenzodiazepine]]
-Unlike many of its benzodiazepine counterparts, pyrazolam displays an intriguing metabolic characteristic: it does not seem to undergo any significant metabolic transformation within the body. Instead, it is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine. Furthermore, no metabolites have been identified in the urine samples of human volunteers, highlighting its unique metabolic stability<ref name="metabolism7">Greenblatt, D. J., & Wright, C. E. (1993). Clinical pharmacokinetics of alprazolam. Therapeutic implications. Clinical Pharmacokinetics, 24(6), 453-471.</ref>.
+[[Category:Benzodiazepines]]
+[[Category:Anxiolytics]]
-=== Safety and Side Effects ===
+[[Category:Research chemicals]]
-Pyrazolam's strong anxiolytic effects are complemented by its relatively mild side effect profile. Notably, when used within its therapeutic dose range for anxiety, it causes minimal ataxia and sedation, making it a potentially favorable option in clinical contexts where these side effects are less desirable<ref name="sideeffect8">Lader, M. (2011). Benzodiazepines revisited—will we ever learn?. Addiction, 106(12), 2086-2109.</ref>.
-=== Conclusion ===
-The journey of pyrazolam, from its inception at Hoffman-La Roche in the 1970s to its revival in 2012, illustrates the complex trajectory of drug development and rediscovery. As with any drug, comprehensive studies and clinical trials are essential to ascertain its safety, efficacy, and potential therapeutic applications. Given its promising profile, pyrazolam might yet find its place in modern therapeutics.
-== References ==
-<references />
-{{Benzodiazepines}}
-[[Category:Triazolobenzodiazepines]]
-{{pharmacology-stub}}