Brotizolam

Mark S. Langley, Stephen P. Clissold

Brotizolam is a new thienotriazolodiazepine derivative with a pharmacological profile similar to that of benzodiazepines. It is indicated for use as an hypnotic in the management of insomnia, although it also has anticonvulsant, antianxiety and muscle relaxant properties in animals. In clinical trials brotizolam 0.125 to 0.5mg improved sleep in insomniacs similarly to nitrazepam 2.5 and 5mg, flunitrazepam 2mg and triazolam 0.25mg, whilst brotizolam 0.5mg was shown to be superior to flurazepam 30mg in some studies. Brotizolam is an effective hypnotic for hospital patients awaiting surgery, in whom it also reduces anxiety. Brotizolam has an elimination half-life of about 5 hours, which is 'intermediate' compared with the shorter-acting hypnotic, triazolam, and longer-acting benzodiazepines. Consequently, it is able to induce sleep without producing early morning rebound insomnia, and can also maintain sleep throughout the night. Brotizolam at dosages below 0.5mg at night usually produced minimal morning drowsiness; no residual impairment of psychomotor performance occurs following dosages within the recommended range of 0.125 to 0.25 mg/kg. No serious side effects have been reported to date and the most frequently observed adverse experiences are drowsiness, headache and dizziness. Mild rebound insomnia may occur in some patients when treatment is stopped. Thus, brotizolam is a useful hypnotic which can be used in patients who have difficulty in falling asleep and also in patients who are troubled by night-time awakenings. Used in the recommended dosage it may be particularly useful for patients in whom daytime impairment of performance is unacceptable.