Clomethiazole
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| Systematic (IUPAC) name | |
|---|---|
|
5-(2-Chloroethyl)-4-methyl-1,3-thiazole | |
| Clinical data | |
| AHFS/Drugs.com | International Drug Names |
| Routes of administration | Oral |
| Legal status | |
| Legal status |
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| Pharmacokinetic data | |
| Biological half-life | 3.6–5 hours |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number |
533-45-9  |
| ATC code | N05CM02 (WHO) |
| PubChem | CID 10783 |
| ChemSpider |
10327  |
| UNII |
0C5DBZ19HV |
| KEGG |
D07330 |
| ChEMBL |
CHEMBL315795 |
| Chemical data | |
| Formula | C6H8ClNS |
| Molar mass | 161.653 g/mol |
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Clomethiazole (also called chlormethiazole) is a sedative and hypnotic originally developed by Hoffmann-La Roche in the 1930s.[1] The drug is used in treating and preventing symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal.
It is structurally related to thiamine (vitamin B1), but acts like a sedative, hypnotic, muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant. It is also used for the management of agitation, restlessness, short-term insomnia and Parkinson's disease in the elderly. In the UK, it is sold under the brand Heminevrin (AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals). Another brand name includes Nevrin in Romania, Distraneurin in Germany and Distraneurine in Spain. The drug is marketed either as a free base in an oily suspension containing 192 mg in capsule form, or as clomethiazole edisylate syrup.
Pharmacology
Chlomethiazole acts as a positive allosteric modulator at the barbiturate/picrotoxin site of the GABAA receptor. It works to enhance the action of the neurotransmitter GABA at this receptor. GABA is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain and produces anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, sedative, and hypnotic effects. Chlomethiazole appears to also have another mechanism of action mediating some of its hypothermic and neuroprotective effects.
Adverse effects
Long term and frequent use of chlomethiazole can cause tolerance and physical dependence. Abrupt withdrawal may result in symptoms similar to those of sudden withdrawal of alcohol or benzodiazepines.[2]
Overdose
Chlomethiazole is particularly toxic and dangerous in overdose and can be potentially fatal. Alcohol multiplies the effect. As the drug can be fatal in high doses, prescribing clomethiazole outside a controlled environment, like a hospital, is not recommended, especially because there are much less toxic alternatives, such as diazepam. Diazepam is one of many drugs belonging to the benzodiazepine class, with a long half-life (50–100 hours) and a very low risk of fatal overdose, as long as the patient does not consume alcohol or certain other types of medication.[3]
Drummer Keith Moon of the rock band The Who died of a clomethiazole overdose.[4]
References
- ↑ CH patent 200248, "Verfahren zur Darstellung von 4-Methyl-5-B-chloräthylthiazol", issued 1938-09-30, assigned to Hoffmann-La Roche
- ↑ Reilly, T. M. (1976). "Physiological dependence on, and symptoms of withdrawal from, chlormethiazole". The British Journal of Psychiatry 128: 375–378. doi:10.1192/bjp.128.4.375. PMID 1260235.
- ↑ Reith, D. M.; Fountain, J.; McDowell, R.; Tilyard, M. (2003). "Comparison of the fatal toxicity index of zopiclone with benzodiazepines". Clinical Toxicology 41 (7): 975–980. doi:10.1081/CLT-120026520. PMID 14705844.
- ↑ Springer, Mike (2013-05-20). "Keith Moon's Last Interview, 1978". Retrieved 2014-10-11.
An autopsy showed that Moon had taken 32 tablets of Clomethiazole. His doctor had told him not to exceed three per day.
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