Desmethylzopiclone
Major metabolite of the hypnotic medication zopiclone
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Desmethylzopiclone, also known as SEP-174559, is an active metabolite of the sedative-hypnotic drug zopiclone.
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| Other names | SEP-174559 |
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| Formula | C16H15ClN6O3 |
| Molar mass | 374.79 g·mol−1 |
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Pharmacology
Unlike its parent compound, which is a largely non-selective benzodiazepine receptor agonist, desmethylzopiclone is a selective partial agonist at the benzodiazepine site of α3-containing GABA receptor subtypes.[1] It is also an antagonist to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and NMDA receptors.[1]
Desmethylzopiclone has been described as a potential anxio-selective metabolite of zolpiclone owing to its selective affinity for the modulation of α3-containing GABA receptor subtypes.[1] Modulation of these GABAA subtypes have been implicated as key mediators of the anxiolytic effects of benzodiazepines.[2]
In forensic analysis
A method for the quantification of desmethylzopiclone from urine has been developed and may serve useful in forensic analysis of cases involving zolpiclone intoxication.[3]