 | |
| Clinical data | |
|---|---|
| ATC code |
|
| Legal status | |
| Legal status |
|
| Identifiers | |
| |
| CAS Number | |
| PubChemCID | |
| ChemSpider |
|
| UNII | |
| ChEMBL | |
| CompTox Dashboard(EPA) | |
| Chemical and physical data | |
| Formula | C16H12ClN3O3 |
| Molar mass | 329.74 g·mol−1 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | |
| |
| |
 N Y (what is this?) (verify) | |
Meclonazepam[1] ((S)-3-methylclonazepam) is abenzodiazepine derivative similar in structure toclonazepam. It was first discovered by a team atHoffmann-La Roche in the 1970s.[2] It hassedative andanxiolytic actions like those of other benzodiazepines,[3] and also has anti-parasitic effects against the parasitic wormSchistosoma mansoni.[4]
Meclonazepam was never used as medicine and instead appeared online as adesigner drug.[5][6][7][8]
Its sedative and anxiolytic abilities are attributed to the same mechanism used by other benzodiazepine drugs: modulation of the GABAA receptor in the brain. This psychoactive activity makes it useful for recreational use.[7] The sedating side effect would also make it unsuitable for routine use as an antiparasitical.[9]
Schistosomal parasites do not have an ortholog of the GABAA receptor. Instead, meclonazepam seems to cause a rapid calcium influx, leading to muscle contraction and tegument damage. In 2023, meclonazepam is shown to activate a calcium-permeable schistosome TRP (transient receptor potential), making this TRP a very likely candidate for its parasite receptor.[9]
Some work has been done to produce two meclonazepam derivatives that show less sedation and more anti-parasite activity in mice. They seem to do this by crossing the blood-brain barrier less readily.[9]
In the UK, meclonazepam has been classified as aClass C drug by the May 2017 amendment toThe Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 along with several other designer benzodiazepine drugs.[10]
