Summary
Nifoxipam, also known as 3-hydroxy desmethyl flunitrazepam or DP 370, is classified as a benzodiazepine. This compound serves as a minor byproduct of flunitrazepam and has been illicitly marketed online as a designer drug.
Notably, Nifoxipam induces potent sedative and sleep-prolonging effects. Moreover, it demonstrates significantly lower toxicity in mice when compared to lormetazepam and flunitrazepam.
| Identifiers | |
|---|---|
| IUPAC name | |
| CAS Number | 74723-10-7 |
|---|---|
| PubChem CID | 3058221 |
| ChemSpider | 2319383 |
| UNII | 9O6C9M3CH6 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID80996250 |
| Chemical and physical data | |
| Formula | C15H10FN3O4 |
| Molar mass | 315.260 g·mol−1 |
FAQ
1. What is Nifoxipam?
Nifoxipam is a benzodiazepine compound, which is a class of drugs known for their sedative and anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties. It is a minor metabolite of flunitrazepam and is sometimes sold as a designer drug.
2. What are the effects of Nifoxipam?
Nifoxipam is known to produce strong sedative and sleep-prolonging effects. It can induce feelings of calmness and relaxation.
3. Is Nifoxipam legal?
The legal status of Nifoxipam varies by country. In some places, it may be classified as a controlled substance, while in others, it might not be regulated. It’s essential to research and understand the legal status of Nifoxipam in your specific location.
4. Is Nifoxipam safe to use?
The safety of Nifoxipam has not been extensively studied, and its use is associated with potential risks and side effects. As with any benzodiazepine, misuse or overuse can lead to adverse effects, including dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and potential health risks.
5. What are the potential side effects of Nifoxipam?
Side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, impaired coordination, memory issues, and, in some cases, paradoxical reactions, where users experience increased anxiety or agitation.
6. Is Nifoxipam addictive?
Like many benzodiazepines, Nifoxipam has the potential for addiction or dependence when used regularly or at high doses. Users should exercise caution and seek medical guidance if they have concerns about addiction.
7. Can Nifoxipam be used for medical purposes?
Nifoxipam is not approved for medical use in most countries. Typically, benzodiazepines are prescribed by healthcare professionals for specific medical conditions, such as anxiety disorders or insomnia, under strict supervision.
8. What precautions should I take if I consider using Nifoxipam?
If you are considering using Nifoxipam, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional, be aware of the legal status in your area, and use it responsibly and in moderation. Avoid mixing it with other substances, especially alcohol, and be cautious about potential interactions with other medications you may be taking.
9. How can I seek help or support related to Nifoxipam use?
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse or dependence on Nifoxipam or any other substance, it is highly recommended to seek professional help from a healthcare provider or addiction treatment centre. Support from friends and family can also be crucial in the recovery process.
10. Where can I find more information about Nifoxipam?
For further information on Nifoxipam, you can consult with healthcare professionals, refer to your country’s drug regulatory authority, or explore reputable medical and scientific sources for the latest research and guidance on benzodiazepines and designer drugs.
References
- EP 0158267, a patent authored by Posselt K, Wagener HH, Gruber K, titled “Pharmaceutical composition containing 5-(2-fluorophenyl)-1,3-dihydro-3-hydroxy-7-nitro- or 5-(2-fluorophenyl)-1,3-dihydro-3-hydroxy-1-methyl-7-nitro-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one and process for their preparation,” was published on 16 October 1985. It is assigned to Dolorgiet Beteiligungs-GmbH.
- Nifoxipam is a benzodiazepine compound that can be found in the New Synthetic Drugs Database.
- Kilicarslan T, Haining RL, Rettie AE, Busto U, Tyndale RF, Sellers EM (April 2001). “Flunitrazepam metabolism by cytochrome P450S 2C19 and 3A4” was published in Drug Metabolism and Disposition. It provides insights into the metabolism of flunitrazepam.
- Moosmann B, King LA, Auwärter V (June 2015). “Designer benzodiazepines: A new challenge” was published in World Psychiatry, discussing the emerging issue of designer benzodiazepines.
- Kevin Flemen (August 2015). “Drug Facts – Newer Unregulated Drugs” (PDF) is a resource from KFx providing information about newer, unregulated drugs.
- Nifoxipam can also be found in the WEDINOS database.
- Meyer MR, Bergstrand MP, Helander A, Beck O (May 2016). “Identification of main human urinary metabolites of the designer nitrobenzodiazepines clonazolam, meclonazepam, and nifoxipam by nano-liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry for drug testing purposes” was published in Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. It focuses on identifying human urinary metabolites of designer nitrobenzodiazepines.
- Pettersson Bergstrand M, Helander A, Hansson T, Beck O (April 2017). “Detectability of designer benzodiazepines in CEDIA, EMIT II Plus, HEIA, and KIMS II immunochemical screening assays” was published in Drug Testing and Analysis, assessing the detectability of designer benzodiazepines in various immunochemical screening assays.
- Katselou M, Papoutsis I, Nikolaou P, Spiliopoulou C, Athanaselis S (2016). “Metabolites replace the parent drug in the drug arena. The cases of fonazepam and nifoxipam” can be found in Forensic Toxicology, discussing the role of metabolites in the world of drugs, with a specific focus on fonazepam and nifoxipam.