Difludiazepam

Difludiazepam

Difludiazepam is a benzodiazepine derivative that was first synthesized in 1960 by the pharmaceutical company Hoffmann-La Roche. It is a minor metabolite of diazepam, but is not marketed as a drug in its own right.

Chemistry

Difludiazepam, also known as Ro5-3448, is a 1,4-benzodiazepine, which means it has a nitrogen atom at the 1st and 4th positions of its diazepine ring. It is a fluorinated derivative of diazepam, with two fluorine atoms on its phenyl ring.

Pharmacology

Difludiazepam has similar pharmacological properties to other benzodiazepines, but with a longer half-life. It has anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, hypnotic, sedative, skeletal muscle relaxant, and amnestic properties.

Metabolism

Difludiazepam is metabolized in the liver by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system. It is a minor active metabolite of diazepam, but is less potent and has a longer half-life.

Legal Status

Difludiazepam is not currently marketed as a medication, and is not listed under the Controlled Substances Act in the United States or under the Misuse of Drugs Act in the United Kingdom.

See Also

• Benzodiazepine
• Diazepam
• Fludiazepam
• Metabolism
• Cytochrome P450