| Item |
Information |
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Drug Groups
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approved |
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Description
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A benzodiazepine that acts as a gamma-aminobutyric acid modulator and anti-anxiety agent. [PubChem] |
| Indication |
For the short-term treatment of insomnia (generally 7-10 days). |
| Pharmacology |
Temazepam is a benzodiazepine used as a hypnotic agent in the management of insomnia. Temazepam produces CNS depression at limbic, thalamic, and hypothalamic levels of the CNS. Temazepam increases the affinity of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) for GABA receptors by binding to benzodiazepine receptors. Results are sedation, hypnosis, skeletal muscle relaxation, anticonvulsant activity, and anxiolytic action. |
| Affected Organisms |
| • |
Humans and other mammals |
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| Biotransformation |
Hepatic. Temazepam is completely metabolized through conjugation prior to excretion. The major metabolite is the O-conjugate of temazepam (90%). |
| Absorption |
Well absorbed, minimal first-pass metabolism. |
| Half Life |
10-20 hours |
| Protein Binding |
96% |
| Elimination |
Temazepam was completely metabolized through conjugation prior to excretion; 80% to 90% of the dose appeared in the urine. |
| References |
| • |
Rickels K: The clinical use of hypnotics: indications for use and the need for a variety of hypnotics. Acta Psychiatr Scand Suppl. 1986;332:132-41.
[Pubmed]
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| • |
Oelschlager H: [Chemical and pharmacologic aspects of benzodiazepines] Schweiz Rundsch Med Prax. 1989 Jul 4;78(27-28):766-72.
[Pubmed]
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| • |
Vozeh S: [Pharmacokinetic of benzodiazepines in old age] Schweiz Med Wochenschr. 1981 Nov 21;111(47):1789-93.
[Pubmed]
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| • |
Shats V, Kozacov S: [Falls in the geriatric department: responsibility of the care-giver and the hospital] Harefuah. 1995 Jun 1;128(11):690-3, 743.
[Pubmed]
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| • |
Rooke KC: The use of flurazepam (dalmane) as a substitute for barbiturates and methaqualone/diphenhydramine (mandrax) in general practice. J Int Med Res. 1976;4(5):355-9.
[Pubmed]
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| External Links |
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