Hypnotics and sedatives ,Antianxiety drugs & Centrally acting muscle relaxants

Sunday, October 10, 2010


Hypnotics are drugs which produce sleep resembling natural sleep


Sedatives are drugs which reduce excitement without producing sleep

They are 2 types of sleep
  1. Rapid Eye Movement (REM)
  2. Non Rapid Eye Movement (NREM)

  1. Rapid Eye Movement (REM)

Tension of the muscles can be studied

It can identified by Electromyogram

The REM comprise of 20- 25 % of sleep

It does not produce sleep spindles, eyeballs make rapid jerky movements and muscles are profoundly relaxed. This pattern is known as Rapid Eye Movement (REM) OR paradoxical sleep

Tachycardia and increase in blood pressure are seen in REM sleep also dreaming is there
      
  1. Non Rapid Eye Movement

It reveals eyeball movements

It can be identified by EOG – Electro Oculogram

It produces sleep spindles and prominent slow waves, the eye balls remain motionless and the muscles under the chain remain tense. This is known as Non – Rapid Eye Movement of orthodox sleep

The NREM sleep comprised 90% of sleep and during this period the growth hormones secretion are increased
      
 Qualitatively hypnotics and sedatives produce depression of CNS and the   
 difference between them is mainly quantitative

 Classification

1. Barbiturate derivatives
  2. Non – barbiturate derivatives

1 .Barbiturate derivatives

A. Long acting barbiturates   (8 -12 hours )

 Phenobarbitone

 Mephobarbitone

 Methylphenobarbitone

 Barbitone

B. Intermediate acting barbiturates

Amylobarbitone

Butobarbitone

Allobarbitone

Vinbarbitone

 C. Short acting barbiturates
 Pentobarbitone

Secobarbitone

Cyclobarbitone

Hepatobarbitone

D. Ultra short acting barbiturates

Thiobarbitone

Hexabarbitone

Methobarbitone

11. Non –barbiturate derivatives
 
A. Benzodiazepines

Diazepam

Oxazepam

 B.  Aldehydes

Chloral hydrate

Chloral formamide

Paraldehyde
 
C. Bromides

Potassium bromide

Sodium bromide

Ammonium bromide

 D. Alcohols

Ethyl alcohol

Tribromo-ehamol

Amylene hydrate
 
E. Piperidine derivatives
 Glutethimide

Methyprylon
 
Barbiturates
 Barbiturates o derivatives of barbituric acid which is obtained by condensation of urea  and malonic acid

Barbituric acid itself does not possess hypnotic activity but hypnotic activity is produced, if the hydrogen atoms at position 5 are replaced by alkyl or aryl groups

The barbiturates were formerly the mainstay of treatment used to sedate the patient or to induce and maintain sleep

Today , they have been largely replaced by the benzodiazepines, primarily because barbiturates induce tolerance, drug metabolizing enzymes, physical dependence and 
severe withdrawal symptoms 

The barbiturates in severe doses produces coma
 
Mechanism action of barbiturates

The sedative – hypnotic action of the barbiturates is due to their interaction with GABA A receptors which enhances GABA nergic transmission

The binding site of distinct from that of the benzodiazepines

Barbiturates potentate GABA Acton on chloride entry into the neuron by prolonging the duration of the chloride channel openings

In addition , barbiturates can block excitatory glutamate receptors

Anesthetic concentration of pentobarbital also block high frequency sodium channels

All of these  molecular action lead to decreased neuronal activity

Pharmacological actions

On CNS

Barbiturates produce all degrees of   CNS depression like mild sedation, hypnosis and general anesthesia

Sleep

Barbiturate induced sleep resembles natural sleep

But it decreases the time spent on rapid-eye movement sleep, also there is hangover effect after awakening

Analgesic effect

Barbiturates do not relieve pain without producing unconsciousness

They enhance the analgesic effect of salicylates and Para-amino phenol derivatives

Anesthetic effect

Thiobarbiturates and some ultra short acting oxybarbriturates produce anesthesia on intravenous administration

Anti- consultant effect

Barbiturates like phenobarbitone which have a phenyl group at the 5 th carbon atom have anticonvulsant effect

Respiration

Respiration is not affected at sedative or hypnotic dose

Large dose administered intravenously may produce death due to central respiratory paralysis

GIT

Intestinal motility is not affected at a normal dose, but gastric secretion may be depressed

Uterus

Force and frequency of uterine contractions are depressed at toxic dose

Kidney

No effect at normal dose but anesthetic dose decreases urinary output due to decrease in
glomerular filtration and release of Ach

Liver

No effect at normal dose but anesthetic dose may produce hepatic dysfunction

Enzyme induction

Barbiturates induce P450 microsomal enzymes in the liver

Chronic barbiturate administration diminishes the action of many drugs that a    re dependent on P450 metabolism to reduce their concentration

ADME
Barbiturates can be administered  by oral and parenteral routes
They are distributed in all tissues and body fluids
They cross placental barrier and also are excreted in milk
 They are chiefly metabolized in the liver and to a small extent in kidney and brain
Excretion is through urine both in free form and as glucuronic acid conjugate


Adverse reaction
Intolerance like nausea, headache and diarrhea
Fetal respiratory depression if administered during labor
Drug automatism due to repeatedly taking the drug owing to forgetfulness
Tolerance because of increased inactivation in the liver
Dependence and withdrawal symptoms

Therapeutic uses
1. Sedation in case of anxiety or tension
2. Hypnosis to relieve insomnia
3. Anticonvulsant effect in case of tetanus or status epilepticus
4. Pre anesthetic medication and to produce basal anesthesia
5. Potentiation of analgesics like salicylates
6. In psychiatric practice and in neonatal jaundice

Phenobarbitone

Phenobaarbitone is a short acting barbiturate with sedative, hypnotic and anticonvulsant effects

It depresses sensory cortex, decreases motor activity , alters cerebella function and produces drowsiness, sedation and hypnosis

Its anticonvulsant property is exhibited at high doses

Dose

It is available in tab and injection

It is available in 30 , 60 and 100mg

Sedative dose  -  15 – 30mg  ( 3 – 4 times / day )

Hypnotic dose  - 100- 200 mg  (100 – 200 mg / day)

Phenobarbitone inj  - 200 mg  -  Hypnotic dose  - 60 – 200 mg

Drug interactions

Additive sedative effect with alcohol and other CNS depressants

Adverse drug reactions

Sedation, depression, confusion, headache ataxia, hypothermia and mood changes and impairment of memory

Benzodiazepines

These are very important class of hypnotics and sedatives because of their high therapeutic index

The important Benzodiazepines are
Diazepam
Flurazepam
Nitrazepam
Lorazepam
Oxazepam

Mechanism of action
The GABA  (Gamma amino butyric acid ) is acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the body

It acts on GABA receptors

But the benzodiazepine receptor are associated with GABA receptors

These benzodiazepines  acts on GABA and  stimulate the GABA receptors , leading to increase in the GABA activity

GABA activating the chloride channels leading to increase in the Cl conductance and hence decrease firing of the regions

Benzodiazepines produce increase in pre-synaptic inhibition , decrease in turnover of 5HT, nor adrenaline and dopamine

These also posses GABA agonistic activity

Therapeutic uses

In anxiety and insomnia

As a pre-anesthetic medication

Treatment of epilepsy and seizure states or muscular relaxation in spastic conditions

In control of ethanol and sedative- hypnotic withdrawal symptoms

As diagnostic aid for treatment in psychiatry

Adverse effects
Drowsiness, confusion, impaired motor in co-ordination, tolerance and dependence to the less extent and reparatory depression

Chloral hydrate

Chloral hydrate is a trichlorinated derivative of acetaldehyde .

It is converted to the active metabolite , trichloroethanol, in the body

The drug is an effective sedative and hypnotic that induces sleep in about  thirty minutes and lasts about six hours

Chloral hydrate is irritating to the gastrointestinal tract and causes epigastric distress

It also produces an unusual, unpleasant taste sensation

It synergizes with ethanol

It does not have the analgesic activity but may produce excitement and delirium in presence of pain

Adverse effects

Nausea, vomiting, gastric irritation, respiratory and vasomotor depression , myocardial depression and arrhythmia

Paraldehyde
It is nauseating and volatile, liquid hypnotic which is harmless and quick in Acton

It is more potent than the chloral hydrate  and polymer of acetaldehyde

During labor it causes analgesic effect but it can cross placenta and may delay respiration in new born

Higher doses may cause hypotension, respiratory  depression and coma

It can be used as anticonvulsant , hypnotic and basal anesthetic

It is absorbed thorough the oral and parental administration

It is excreted through the lungs with offensive smell

It reacts with plastic materials so cannot administer with the plastic syringes

Rectal administration cause irritation to mucosa of rectum an may cause ulceration

Ethyl alcohol

It has antianxiety and sedative effects , but its toxic potential outweighs its benefits

Alcoholism is a serious medical and social problem

Ethanol is a CNS depressant  producing sedation and ultimately hypnosis with increasing dosage

It is readily absorbed orally and has a volume of distribution close to that of total body water

It is metabolized primarily in the liver, first to acetaldehyde by alcohol dehydrogenate  and then to acetate by aldehyde dehydrogenate

Elimination is mostly through the kidney, but a fraction is excreted through the lungs

Ethanol synergizes wit h many other sedative agents and can produce severe CNS depression with antihistamines or barbiturates

Chronic consumption can lead to severe liver disease, gastritis and nutritional deficiencies

Cardiomyopathy is also a consequence of heavy drinking

The treatment of choice for alcohol withdrawal are the benzodiazepines

Carbamzepine is effective in treating convulsive episodes during withdrawal
 
Antianxiety drugs

Def
Antianxiety drugs (anxiolytics) are CNS depressants which control symptom of anxiety
They produce a calming effect in anxiety states

1. Benzodiazepines
Diazepam

Oxazepam

Lorazepam

Alprazolam


2. Azapirones

Buspirone

Gipirone

Benzodiazepines
These are the commonly used antianxiety drugs
They have anxiolytic, hypnotic, muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant actions
They are less toxic and addiction liability is very low

Classification
These are classified on the basis of duration of action   & therapeutic action

A. Classification on duration of action
  1. Ultra short acting BZDs
Half life – 2- 4 hrs,  Duration of action – less than 6 hrs
Ex – Triazolam,  Midazolam           
  1. Short acting BZDs
Half life – 10 – 15 hrs,  Duration of action – less than 6 hrs
Ex – Oxazepam, Temazepam          
  1. Intermediate BZDs
Half life – 20 – 30 hrs,  Duration of action – 8 – 10 hrs
Ex – Nitrazepam
  1. Long acting BZDs
Half life – 20 – 40 hrs,  Duration of action – More than 24 hrs
Ex – Diazepam , flurazepam , Clonazepam


B. Classification according to therapeutic uses

1. Anxiolytic benzodiazepines

     Diazepam, Oxazepam, Lorazepam, Alprazolam


2. Hypnotic benzodiazepines

    Nitrazepam, Temazepam, Estazolam

3. Antiepileptic benzodiazepines

     Clonazepam

4. Anesthetic benzodiazepines

      Midazolam

Mechanism of action

It is believed that these agents facilitate the effects of GABA receptor activation in the CNS

It potentates GABA ergic inhibition
Side effects
Sedation
Lethargy
Ataxia
Weight gain
Confusion
Tolerance
Dependence

Diazepam

It is an important benzodiazepine compound

Like all other benzodiazepines, it has a hypnotic, anxiolytic, muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant actions

It is quickly  absorbed on oral administration

Uses

Acute panic states

Anxiety associated with organic disease

Status epileptic us

Dose

2- 5 mg twice a day

Oxazepam

It is active metabolites of diazepam

This benzodiazepine is slowly absorbed on oral administration also

It also penetration slow

It has a short duration of action

So it is used mainly in short lasting anxiety states

Dis-advantages

It is short acting

It is not well absorbed


Dose

10 mg /day
 
Lorazepam

This benzodiazepine is slowly absorbed on oral administration

It also penetration in brain is slow

It has a short duration of action

So it is used mainly in short lasting anxiety states

Dose

1-4mg

Alprazolam

It is a recently introduce antianxiety drug

In addition to anxiolytic effect

It has a mood elevating action

It also produces less drowsiness

Use

Anxiety states associated with depression

Dose

0.25-1 mg three times daily


Meprobamate

The drug produces calmness In as individual

It reduces tension and hostility

Reactions of the patient to his environment become – congenial

Unlike phenothiazines it dies not abolish conditioned reflexes


Adverse reaction

Drowsiness
Angioneurotic edema and other r allergic manifestations
Blood dyscrasias


Disadvantages

Tolerance develops

IT produces drug

Dependence

Uses

Anxiety

Neurosis


Chlordiazapoxide

Though it is a benzodiazepine, its actions resemble barbiturates

It produces calmness

It also produces sedation

It produces skeletal muscle relaxation

It stimulates appetite

Adverse reaction

Drowsiness, lethargy and ataxia

Hypotension is produce in few

Disadvantages

Tolerance develops

It induces physical dependence , withdrawal symptoms are produced on its stoppage


Use

Anxiety and neurosis

It is used to suppress withdrawal symptoms of alcohol

As preanaesthestic medication

Buspirones

It is new antianxiety drug

It does not have sedative, hypnotic, muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant effects as
produced by benzodiazepines

It has a slow action and the effect is delayed for even two weeks


Mechanism of action

It acts by stimulating presynaptic 5-HT 1A auto receptors

Use

Mild to moderate anxiety

Dose

10-30 mg daily is divided doses 

Flumazinil

It is a benzodiazepine antagonist

It binds competitively with benzodiazepine receptors and blocks many of the pharmacological actions of benzodiazepines

Use

To reverse benzodiazepine anesthesia

In Benzodiazepine overdose

Hepatic coma and alcohol intoxication

Centrally acting muscle relaxants

Skeletal muscle relaxation without altering consciousness or normal voluntary movement is necessary during unwanted muscular spasms and rigidity and during operative procedures

The classes of drugs which can be used fro skeletal muscle relaxation are centrally acting drugs and drugs acting peripherally at neuromuscular junction

1. Mephenesin group

           Mephenesin
           Carisoprodol
           Chlorzoxazone
           Chlormezamone
           Methocarbamol

2 .Benzodiazepines

           Diazepam and others

3. GABA derivative
       
         Baclofen

4. Central alpha 2 agonists

        Tizanidine

Mepaenesin

It is the first centrally acting muscle relaxant which was introduced in 1946 still being widely used today

It relaxes normal and spastic skeletal muscles without interfering within neuro-muscular transmission

In moderate dose it reduces muscle tone and motor activities

But large doses produce hypotension, respiratory paralyses and death

The drug is will absorbed orally and parent rally ,but duration of action is short

It is used to treat acute spasm of skeletal muscle in tetanus and status epileptic us

It is used to produce muscular relaxation during operative procedures

Use to reduce agitation in chronic alcoholism an to relieve muscular rigidity and tremors in parkinsonism

Dose

Orally 1 gram to 3 grams

Parentally 100mg to 1 gram

Mephenesin carbamate an ester of mephanesin has a longer duration of action and hence is preferred

Dose – 1 to 1.2 gram per day orally

Methocarbamol

This chemically elated to mephenesin carbamate

It acts both as muscle relaxant and sedative

It is orally active with a longer duration of action and milder side effects

Uses

Same as mephenesin

Dose

0.5 grams per day orally

It can also be given by I.M or  I.V route

Carisoprodol

It is chemically related  to meprobamate

It produces muscle relaxation and sedative effects

It is used  in cerebral palsy to produce muscular relaxation

Unwanted side effects are drowsiness, vertigo, weakness and allergic reactions on skin

Dose 
350 mg oral


Metaxalone

Dose -   0 3.2 rams per day in divided doses

Serious side effects are leucopenia and jaundice

Muscle relaxants  are contra-indicated in pregnant women , in the presence of renal damage and myasthenia gravis

Muscle relaxants acting at neuromuscular junction

The contraction of  skeletal muscle is initiated by acetyl choline at the neuromuscular junction

Acetyl choline acts on the receptor of the muscle producing  contraction

But there are drugs which block the action f acetyl choline on skeletal muscle receptors thereby producing muscle relaxation

They are of two types namely

1. Competitive blockers

2. Depolarization blockers 

1. Competitive Blockers

The drugs which act by this mechanism are d-tubocurarine and gallamine

They compete with the acetylcholine to reach the muscle receptors

D-Tubocurarine
This is the dextro rotatory alkaloid obtained from the strychnos species

Curare was mainly used as an arrow poison in South America

It competes with acetyl choline to reach the receptors and thus blocks the action of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction and produces muscle  relaxation

It is inactive orally, but is active parent rally

The drug is given intravenously for muscle relaxation during operative procedures

Dose  --  6 to 10 mg given with general anesthetic
Disadvantage   -  It is that it causes release of histamines from the tissues 
Gallamine

It is a synthetics quaternary ammonium compound with curare like action

It also acts as a skeletal muscle relaxant by competitive blockade of acetylcholine

But is less potent than d – tubocurarine
It does not release histamine
It is not active orally
Hence given parent rally

It is also used to produce muscular relaxation during operative procedures

Dose

100 mg by I.V injection

Depolarization blockers

Here the drugs act by depolarizing the receptor motor end plate of the muscle which becomes resistance to further stimulation

The drug which stimulation

The drug which acts by this process and relaxing skeletal muscles is succinyl chloride

It has very short duration of action

Its action can be enhanced by anti-choline  esterasis like neostigmine

It does not release histamine

It is used in anesthesiology to produce muscle relaxation by continuous I. V infusion

Other drugs which act this process is decamethonoum

1 comments:

gexhouse2 said...

It does not produce sleep spindles, eyeballs make rapid jerky movements and muscles are profoundly relaxed.

Aicar 100mg
GHRP 6 5mg

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