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Nitrazepam
Systematic (IUPAC) name
9-nitro-6-phenyl-2,5-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undeca- 5,8,10,12-tetraen-3-one
Identifiers
CAS number	146-22-5
ATC code	N05CD02
PubChem	4506
DrugBank	none
Chemical data
Formula	C15H11N3O3
Mol. mass	281.3 g/mol
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	53-94%
Metabolism	Hepatic
Half life	16-48 hours
Excretion	Renal
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.	C(AU)
Legal status	Schedule IV (International)
Routes	Oral

Nitrazepam (usually marketed under the trade names Mogadon® or Alodorm®) is a class of benzodiazepine. It is a powerful hypnotic drug which possesses strong sedative, anxiolytic, amnestic, anticonvulsant, and skeletal muscle relaxant properties.

Nitrazepam is most often used to treat short-term sleeping problems (insomnia), such as difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, and early-morning awakening. Nitrazepam shortens the time required to fall asleep and lengthens the duration of sleep. It is also useful for the management of myoclonic seizures.

Nitrazepam is available in 5mg and 10mg tablets. In Australia and the United Kingdom it is only available in 5mg tablets.

Contents 1 Pharmacology 2 Dosage 3 Abuse potential 4 Common Side Effects 5 Less Common Side Effects 6 Interactions 7 Contraindications 8 Overdose 9 Trade names 10 External links

Nitrazepam belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. It acts on receptors in the brain (GABA receptors) causing the release of a chemical called GABA (gamma amino butyric acid), which is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, involved in inducing sleepiness and control of anxiety and fits, and slows down the central nervous system. The time to reach peak plasma concentrations following oral administration is about 2 hours (0.5 to 5 hours).

In sleep laboratory studies, nitrazepam decreased sleep latency, increased total sleep time and decreased awake time. There is delay in the onset, and decrease in the duration of REM sleep. Nitrazepam is reported to significantly affect stages of sleep: a decrease stage 1, 3 and 4 sleep and to increase stage 2. Following discontinuation of the drug, REM sleep rebound has been reported in some studies.

When used for treatment of insomnia, the usual dose for adults is 2.5mg to 10mg, taken at bedtime. Dosage for inpatients may be increased up to 20mg. Typically, it works within the hour and allows the individual to maintain sleep for 4 to 8 hours. It is recommended to allow a full 8 hours of sleep time to minimise the "hangover" side effect.

When used for treatment of myoclonic seizures, the dose is based on body weight. The dose for children (30kg or less) is anywhere from 0.3mg/kg to 1mg/kg, daily in three divided doses.

Nitrazepam is chemically similar to Nimetazepam, with 10mg approximately equating to a 5mg dosage respectively.[1]

Studies suggest that nitrazepam caused significant euphoria as against placebos and was identified as an active drug by the subjects. Nitrazepam resembled diazepam (Valium®), however, on certain parameters the effects produced by nitrazepam were more pronounced. Nitrazepam was found to be an abusable drug and has similar abuse liability like diazepam, if not slightly higher. Treatment with nitrazepam should usually not exceed 7 to 10 consecutive days. Use for more than 2 to 3 consecutive weeks requires complete re-evaluation of the patient. Prescriptions for nitrazepam should be written for short-term use (7 to 10 days) and it should not be prescribed in quantities exceeding a 1-month supply. Dependence can occur in as little as four weeks.[2][3]

CNS depression including drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, ataxia, headache, confusion, vertigo, impairment of memory, hangover feeling in the morning, slurred speech, decreased physical performance, numbed emotions, reduced alertness, muscle weakness, double vision and inattention have been reported. Unpleasant dreams and rebound insomnia have also been reported.

Rarely, hypotension, faintness, palpitation, rash or pruritus, gastrointestinal disturbances, changes in libido. Very infrequently, paradoxical reactions may occur, e.g. excitement, stimulation, hallucinations, hyperactivity and insomnia. Also depressed or increased dreaming, disorientation, severe sedation, retrograde amnesia, headache, hypothermia, delirium tremens.

See Diazepam#Interactions.

See Diazepam#Contraindications.

See Diazepam#Overdose.

Mogadon, Alodorm, Remnos, Somnite, Apodorm, Arem, Cavodan, Dima, Dormalon, Dormigen, Dormo-Puren, Dumolid, Eatan N, Eunoctin, Hypnotex, Imeson, Insoma, Insomin, Ipersed, Mitidin, Mogadan, Nilandron, Nitavan, Nitepam, Nitrados, Nitrapan, Nitravet, Nitrazadon, Nitrazep, Nitrazepan, Nitrazepol, Nitredon, Nitrosun, Novanox, Numbon, Onirema, Ormodon, Pacisyn, Paxadorm, Pelson, Pelsonfilina, Protraz, Radedorm, Remnos, Serenade, Somnibel N, Somnipar, Somnite, Sonebon, Sonotrat, Surem, Tri, Unisomnia, Nitrazepam Capsules BP 1993, Nitrazepam Oral Suspension BP 1993, Nitrazepam Tablets BP 1993.[4]

• Patient information sheet 1
• Patient information sheet 2
• RxMed - Nitrazepam
• Inchem - Nitrazepam