Toxicological and pharmacological characteristics of hydazepam as a representative of benzodiazepines (literature review)

Abstract

Introduction. One of the most common drugs in Ukraine from the group of benzodiazepines is gidazepam, registered as a daytime tranquilizer.The positive dynamics of its use for the treatment of anxiety disorders was confirmed in 76.3% of patients, improvement in general well-being was noted by 61% of patients. In Ukraine, gidazepam is produced in the form of tablets in dosages of 0.02g and 0.05g by the INTERCHIM Limited Liability Company with additional responsibility (Odesa) and is available only by prescription under the trade name “Gidazepam IC”. The aim of the study. According to the literature, analyze the main toxicological and pharmacological properties of the drug “Gidazepam”.Research materials and methods. Bibliosemantic analysis of scientific information using MEDLINE, PUBMED databases, databases of the National Scientific Medical Library and the National Library of Ukraine V.I. Vernadskyi. The final selection of scientific publications that met the set goal was 25 works.Results. Despite the long-term use of drugs derived from 1,4-benzdiazepine in general medical practice, the issue of studying their toxicity, including the remote consequences of exposure, does not lose its relevance. The results of experimental tests indicate high bioavailability of gidazepam when administered orally (it quickly enters the small intestine and is absorbed in it), the effect of primary passage (the presence of a second concentration peak – 2 hours) and rapid elimination from the body. The clinical effectiveness and safety of gidazepam is confirmed by the data of clinical studies, however, a comprehensive study of the medical and biological properties of this drug continues today. Toxicological studies have established that, when administered into the stomach, gidazepam belongs to the 3rd class of danger. Since hidazepam is a prodrug, as a result of metabolic processes in the human body, its metabolites are formed, which are more pharmacologically active than the original substance. Despite the significant pharmacological advantages of gidazepam over other drugs of the group of benzodiazepine derivatives, namely hypnotics, neuroleptics and narcotic analgesics, in combination with free sale, creates prerequisites for its abuse.Conclusions. It is necessary to expand the spectrum of toxicological researches using alternative test models to assess the potential danger of gidazepam and determine the prospects for its further use.