List of modafinil analogues and derivatives

List of chemical compounds related to modafinil

Overview

Structure of modafinil

Modafinil is a wakefulness-promoting agent used for the treatment of disorders such as narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, and excessive daytime sleepiness associated with obstructive sleep apnea. It is known for its ability to enhance alertness and cognitive function. Over the years, various analogues and derivatives of modafinil have been developed to explore their potential therapeutic benefits and pharmacological properties.

Modafinil Analogues

Modafinil analogues are compounds structurally related to modafinil, often designed to improve upon its pharmacokinetic properties or to explore different therapeutic applications. These analogues may vary in their efficacy, duration of action, and side effect profiles.

Armodafinil

Armodafinil is the R-enantiomer of modafinil. It is marketed under the brand name Nuvigil and is used for similar indications as modafinil. Armodafinil has a longer half-life than modafinil, which may result in prolonged wakefulness-promoting effects.

Adrafinil

Adrafinil is a prodrug of modafinil, meaning it is metabolized in the body to produce modafinil. It was originally developed in France and is used to promote wakefulness. Adrafinil is not as commonly used as modafinil due to its slower onset of action and potential for liver toxicity with long-term use.

Fluorenol

Fluorenol is a derivative of modafinil that has been studied for its potential as a wakefulness-promoting agent. It is structurally distinct from modafinil but shares some pharmacological properties.

Modafinil Derivatives

Modafinil derivatives are compounds that have been chemically modified from the original modafinil structure. These modifications aim to enhance certain properties or reduce side effects.

CRL-40,940

CRL-40,940, also known as fladrafinil, is a derivative of adrafinil. It is reported to have similar wakefulness-promoting effects but with potentially fewer side effects.

CRL-40,941

CRL-40,941 is another derivative of modafinil, designed to improve upon the pharmacological profile of the parent compound. It is still under investigation for its potential uses.

Pharmacology

The pharmacological effects of modafinil and its analogues are primarily attributed to their action on the central nervous system. These compounds are believed to enhance wakefulness by modulating neurotransmitter systems, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and histamine pathways. The exact mechanism of action remains an area of active research.

Potential Applications

Beyond their use in sleep disorders, modafinil and its analogues are being explored for a variety of other applications, including cognitive enhancement, treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and as adjuncts in the treatment of depression.

Safety and Side Effects

While modafinil and its analogues are generally well-tolerated, they can cause side effects such as headache, nausea, and insomnia. Long-term safety data is limited, and caution is advised when using these compounds, especially in individuals with underlying health conditions.

Related pages

• Modafinil
• Armodafinil
• Adrafinil
• Wakefulness-promoting agents