Flurazepam Hydrochloride

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Cat Number

API0232904

CAS Number

1172-18-5

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Product Detail Description Scientific Support Customer Q&A

CAS Number

1172-18-5

EINECS

214-630-0

Synonyms

Flurazepam dihydrochloride; Dalmane; Benozil

Molecular Formula

C21H25Cl3FN3O

Molecular Weight

460.8

Smiles

CCN(CC)CCN1C(=O)CN=C(C2=C1C=CC(=C2)Cl)C3=CC=CC=C3F.Cl.Cl

Appearance

Odorless off-white to yellow crystalline powder

Melting Point

208-218℃

Boiling Point

551.4℃

General Description

Flurazepam hydrochloride is a long-acting benzodiazepine derivative approved by the FDA in 1970 for the treatment of insomnia. As a Schedule IV controlled substance, it carries boxed warnings regarding risks of concomitant use with opioids, abuse potential, and dependence.

Mechanism of Action

Flurazepam acts as a positive allosteric modulator of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-A receptors, binding to the benzodiazepine site and enhancing GABA's inhibitory effects. This potentiates chloride channel opening, causing neuronal hyperpolarization and reduced excitability in the limbic and reticular activating systems.

Application

Flurazepam hydrochloride is indicated for short-term management of insomnia characterized by difficulty falling asleep, frequent nocturnal awakenings, and early morning awakenings.

Jatczak-Śliwa M, et al. investigated how the benzodiazepine flurazepam modulates GABAA receptor function using wild-type and mutated receptors expressed in cellular systems. The researchers reported several key findings: mutations at the orthosteric binding site unexpectedly increased spontaneous receptor activity; flurazepam enhanced both spontaneous and GABA-evoked activity by modulating channel opening and closing transitions; and spontaneous activity influenced GABA-evoked currents, manifesting as an overshoot following agonist removal that was modulated by benzodiazepines. The study provides the first evidence that GABAA receptors can enter desensitized states in the absence of GABA in a flurazepam-dependent manner.

Fig. 1 α1F64 mutations increase spontaneous activity of GABAAR and FLU potentiates this activity to the same extent as for WT receptors. (Jatczak-Śliwa M, et al., 2018)

References

Jatczak-Śliwa M, et al. Distinct Modulation of Spontaneous and GABA-Evoked Gating by Flurazepam Shapes Cross-Talk Between Agonist-Free and Liganded GABAA Receptor Activity. Front Cell Neurosci. 2018;12:237.

Does Flurazepam Hydrochloride discolor upon light exposure?

Yes, it is photosensitive and may yellow upon prolonged exposure to light. It should be stored in amber glass or opaque containers to maintain its appearance and purity.

What is the recommended storage temperature for Flurazepam Hydrochloride?

Controlled room temperature (15-30°C) is suitable. Avoid excessive heat, which can accelerate degradation, and protect from moisture as it is slightly hygroscopic.

Is Flurazepam Hydrochloride stable under acidic conditions?

As a benzodiazepine, it can undergo hydrolysis in strong acidic conditions. For bulk storage, the solid form is stable, but formulated solutions require pH control near 4-6.

How is the purity of Flurazepam Hydrochloride verified during stability testing?

We monitor for related benzodiazepine impurities using a validated HPLC method, ensuring that degradation products remain within ICH-specified limits throughout the shelf life.