Sedation and Anaesthetics Drugs

Question 1

Diazepam belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepine, which generally act as a neural depressant. They can exerts anxiolytic, sedative, muscle- relaxant, anticonvulsant and amnestic effects. What is the mechanism of action of this drug?

Answer 1

• bind to the z site between the alpha-1 and gamma-2 subunits of GABA- A receptors

Question 2

Diazepam belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepine, which generally act as a neural depressant. They can ​exerts anxiolytic, sedative, muscle- relaxant, anticonvulsant and amnestic effects. Diazepam binds to the z site between the alpha-1 and gamma-2 subunits of GABA- A receptors. What does this binding then cause?

Answer 2

• increases opening frequency of GABA-A receptor opening

- therefore increases Cl- influx into the cell causing hyperpolarisation

Question 3

Zopiclone is a medication that is generally prescribed for patients with insomnia or some form of sleep disorder. It is able to increase the amount of GABA, thus reducing neural activity and relaxing and sending patients to sleep.

Answer 3

• bind to the z site between the alpha-1 and gamma-2 subunits of GABA- A receptors

Question 4

Zopiclone belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepine, which generally act as a neural depressant. They can ​exerts anxiolytic, sedative, muscle- relaxant, anticonvulsant and amnestic effects. Zopiclone binds to the z site between the alpha-1 and gamma-2 subunits of GABA- A receptors. What does this binding then cause?

Answer 4

• increases opening frequency of GABA-A receptor opening

- therefore increases Cl- influx into the cell causing hyperpolarisation