Rilmazafone

Rilmazafone structure

Rilmazafone active metabolite

Rilmazafone: A Comprehensive Overview

Rilmazafone is a unique pro-drug primarily prescribed in Japan for the alleviation of insomnia. As a pro-drug, it undergoes metabolic transformation in the human body to produce an active benzodiazepine compound, which bestows its therapeutic properties.

Background and Development

Rilmazafone, commercially known as Rhythmy and identified by the code 450191-S, is a water-soluble compound that belongs to the benzodiazepine class. Its inception and development took place in Japan, where it remains as one of the options to treat sleep disorders.

Pharmacological Properties

Rilmazafone is characterized by its sedative and hypnotic effects, which are quintessential for managing insomnia. Two main attributes underpin its therapeutic efficacy:

• Sedative Properties: It induces calmness and helps in reducing anxiety or excitement.
• Hypnotic Effects: It facilitates the onset and maintenance of sleep.

Notably, rilmazafone directly doesn't interact with benzodiazepine receptors. Instead, once administered, it undergoes metabolic conversion to produce the active molecule that engages with these receptors.

Metabolic Activation

The activation of rilmazafone is fascinating in its own right. Upon oral ingestion, it is metabolized by aminopeptidase enzymes situated in the small intestine. This enzymatic reaction yields the active benzodiazepine: 8-chloro-6-(2-chlorophenyl)-N,N-dimethyl-4H-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a][1,4]benzodiazepine-2-carboxamide.

Clinical Implications

Apart from its primary therapeutic effects, rilmazafone may induce impairment of motor function. This underscores the importance of caution when engaging in activities requiring motor coordination, such as driving or operating machinery, post-administration.

See also

• Avizafone
• Benzodiazepine

Benzodiazipines

• Alprazolam
• Chlordiazepoxide
• Diazepam (Oral)
• Estazolam
• Flurazepam
• Lorazepam
• Midazolam
• Oxazepam
• Quazepam
• Temazepam
• Triazolam

Anticonvulsants Drugs

• Clobazam
• Clonazepam
• Clorazepate
• Diazepam (Intravenous)

Drug class for Rilmazafone

Anticonvulsants, and Benzodiazepines]