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Cyclopyrrolones
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Cyclopyrrolones are a family of hypnotic and anxiolytic nonbenzodiazepine drugs with similar pharmacological profiles to the benzodiazepine derivatives.
Although cyclopyrrolones are chemically unrelated to benzodiazepines, they function via the benzodiazepine receptor of neurotransmitter GABA.[1] The best-known cyclopyrrolone derivatives are zopiclone (Imovane) and its active single-enantiomer component, eszopiclone (Lunesta), which are used to treat insomnia, and have a known potential for abuse. Other cyclopyrrolones include:
- Pagoclone – anxiolytic
- Pazinaclone – anxiolytic
- Suproclone – anxiolytic
- Suriclone – anxiolytic
References
[edit]- ^ Jones, Ian R; Sullivan, Gary (January 10, 1998). "Physical dependence on zopiclone: case reports". The BMJ. 316 (117). doi:10.1136/bmj.316.7125.117. PMC 2665371. Retrieved April 21, 2021.
Cyclopyrrolones
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Cyclopyrrolones are a class of nonbenzodiazepine drugs that function as hypnotics and anxiolytics, featuring a distinct chemical structure unrelated to benzodiazepines while targeting the GABA_A receptor complex to enhance inhibitory neurotransmission in the central nervous system.[1] The class is exemplified by zopiclone, the first developed member introduced in the 1980s, and its active S-enantiomer, eszopiclone, which is approved for clinical use in multiple countries.[2] These agents are primarily prescribed for the short- or long-term management of insomnia, offering sedative effects with a pharmacological profile of high efficacy and low toxicity compared to traditional benzodiazepines.[3]
Pharmacologically, cyclopyrrolones act as positive allosteric modulators at GABA_A receptors, binding to sites adjacent to the benzodiazepine recognition site and increasing chloride ion conductance to produce anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant, and pronounced hypnotic effects.[1] Unlike benzodiazepines, which bind directly to the canonical site, cyclopyrrolones exhibit partial agonist activity with varying affinities for α1, α2, α3, and α5 subunits, potentially leading to differential potencies in sedation versus anxiolysis across animal models.[4] Zopiclone, a racemic mixture, reaches peak plasma concentrations within 1-2 hours, has a half-life of approximately 5-6 hours (extended to about 9 hours in the elderly), and undergoes hepatic metabolism primarily via CYP3A4 without accumulating active metabolites.[2] Eszopiclone shares similar kinetics but demonstrates higher potency as the pharmacologically active isomer, with bioavailability around 80%; high-fat meals may slow absorption (increasing T_max slightly and reducing C_max by ~21%) without affecting overall exposure (AUC).[3]
In clinical practice, cyclopyrrolones effectively reduce sleep latency, increase total sleep time, and decrease nighttime awakenings in patients with primary or comorbid insomnia, with eszopiclone notably approved by the FDA for extended use beyond the typical 2-4 weeks recommended for other hypnotics.[5] They are generally well-tolerated, with common adverse effects including a bitter metallic taste, dizziness, and mild gastrointestinal upset; however, rare but serious complex sleep behaviors, such as sleepwalking, have been reported, leading to a FDA Boxed Warning.[6], but lower incidences of next-day psychomotor impairment, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms than benzodiazepines.[1] Despite their advantages, caution is advised in patients with hepatic impairment or those taking CYP3A4 inhibitors, as these can prolong exposure and enhance sedative risks.[3]