Flumazenil

Flumazenil
ethyl 8-fluoro-5,6-dihydro-5-methyl-6-oxo- 4H-imidazo[1,5-a][1,4]benzodiazepine-3-carboxylate
CAS number 78755-81-4	ATC code V03AB25
Chemical formula	C15H14FN3O3
Molecular weight	303.29
Metabolism	Hepatic
Elimination half life	7-15 min (initial) 20-30 min (brain) 40-80 min (terminal)
Excretion	Urine 90-95% Feces 5-10%
Pregnancy category	?
Legal status	?
Delivery	Intravenous

Flumazenil (flumazepil, Anexate®, Lanexat®, Mazicon®, Romazicon®) is a benzodiazepine antagonist, used as an antidote in the treatment of benzodiazepine overdose. It reverses the effects of benzodiazepines by competitive inhibition of benzodiazepine receptors.

The onset of action is very fast, about one to two minutes. The activity peak is six to ten minutes. Many benzodiazepines have longer half-lives than flumazenil. Therefore repeat doses of flumazenil may be required to prevent recurrent symptoms of overdosage once the initial dose of flumazenil wears off.

It was introduced in 1987 by Hoffmann-La Roche under trade name Anexate.