Abecarnil

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IUPAC_name = propan-2-yl 4-(methoxymethyl)-6-(phenylmethoxy) -9H-pyrido [5,4-b] indole-3-carboxylate

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CAS_number = 111841-85-1
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PubChem = 65914
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C = 24 | H = 24 | N = 2 | O = 4
molecular_weight = 404.458 g/mol
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elimination_half-life = 3.4 hours (IV), 7 hours (oral)
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Abecarnil (ZK-112119) is an anxiolytic drug from the β-Carboline family. It is one of a relatively recently developed class of medicines known as the nonbenzodiazepines, which have similar effects to the older benzodiazepine group, but with quite different chemical structures. It is a partial agonist acting at GABA_A receptors in the brain. [Ozawa M, Nakada Y, Sugimachi K, Yabuuchi F, Akai T, Mizuta E, Kuno S, Yamaguchi M. Pharmacological characterization of the novel anxiolytic beta-carboline abecarnil in rodents and primates. "Japanese Journal of Pharmacology". 1994 Mar;64(3):179-87.]

Abecarnil was originally developed as an anti-anxiety drug, but has not as yet been commercially developed for use in humans, instead so far mainly being used for research into the development of other new sedative and anxiolytic drugs. Investigations are continuing into its actions and it looks likely to be developed for use both in the treatment of anxiety, [Aufdembrinke B. Abecarnil, a new beta-carboline, in the treatment of anxiety disorders. "British Journal of Psychiatry" 1998;(34):55-63.] and as a less addictive substitute drug for the treatment of benzodiazepine [Pinna G, Galici R, Schneider HH, Stephens DN, Turski L. Alprazolam dependence prevented by substituting with the beta-carboline abecarnil. "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences U S A". 1997 Mar 18;94(6):2719-23.] and alcohol [Jung ME, Wallis CJ, Gatch MB, Lal H. Abecarnil and alprazolam reverse anxiety-like behaviors induced by ethanol withdrawal. "Alcohol". 2000 Jun;21(2):161-8.] addiction.

Abecarnil is a relatively subtype-selective drug which produces primarily anxiolytic effects, with comparatively less sedative or muscle relaxant properties, [Krause W, Schutt B, Duka T. Pharmacokinetics and acute toleration of the beta-carboline derivative abecarnil in man. "Arzneimittelforschung". 1990 May;40(5):529-32.] [Duka T, Schutt B, Krause W, Dorow R, McDonald S, Fichte K. Human studies on abecarnil, a new beta-carboline anxiolytic: safety, tolerability and preliminary pharmacological profile. "British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology". 1993 Apr;35(4):386-94.] and does not significantly potentiate the effects of alcohol. [Stephens DN, Schneider HH, Kehr W, Andrews JS, Rettig KJ, Turski L, Schmiechen R, Turner JD, Jensen LH, Petersen EN, et al. Abecarnil, a metabolically stable, anxioselective beta-carboline acting at benzodiazepine receptors. "Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics". 1990 Apr;253(1):334-43.]

The abuse potential of abecarnil is thought to be less than that of benzodiazepines, [Sannerud CA, Ator NA, Griffiths RR. Behavioral pharmacology of abecarnil in baboons: self-injection, drug discrimination and physical dependence. "Behavioural Pharmacology". 1992 Oct;3(5):507-516.] with only mild withdrawal symptoms noted after abrupt discontinuation of treatment. [Ballenger JC, McDonald S, Noyes R, Rickels K, Sussman N, Woods S, Patin J, Singer J. The first double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a partial benzodiazepine agonist abecarnil (ZK 112-119) in generalized anxiety disorder."Psychopharmacology Bulletin". 1991;27(2):171-9.]

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