Chemical Properties
White Crystalline Solid
Originator
Tavor,Wyeth,Italy,1972
Uses
An anxiolytic, and anticonvulsant.
Controlled substance (depressant)
Definition
ChEBI: Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine.
Manufacturing Process
The starting material was 2-amino-2',5-dichlorobenzophenone which was
reacted with hydroxylamine and then with chloroacetyl chloride. The
intermediate thus obtained is reacted with methylamine and then with acetic
anhydride.
To a slightly warm suspension of 3-acetoxy-7-chloro-5-(o-chlorophenyl)-1,3-
dihydro-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one thus obtained was added 4N sodium
hydroxide solution with stirring. All the solid dissolved and soon a thick white
solid precipitated out. The solid was filtered, washed well with water and
recrystallized from ethanol. The product was isolated as a solvate with 1 mol
of ethanol. When heated it loses the ethanol of solvation and melts at 166°C
to 168°C.
Brand name
Ativan (Baxter Healthcare); Ativan
(Biovail); Loraz (Quantum Pharmics).
Therapeutic Function
Tranquilizer
General Description
Lorazepam, 7-chloro-5-(2-chlorophenyl)-3-dihydro-3-hydroxy-2H-1,4-benzodiazepine-2-one(Ativan), is the 2'-chloro derivative of oxazepam. In keepingwith overall SARs, the 2'-chloro substituent increases activity.As with oxazepam, metabolism is relatively rapid anduncomplicated because of the 3-hydroxyl group in the compound.Thus, it also has short half-life (2–6 hours) and similarpharmacological activity.
Biological Activity
Ligand at the GABA A receptor benzodiazepine modulatory site. Anxiolytic, anticonvulsant and sedative/hypnotic agent.
