Suriclone Explained

Suriclone (Suril) is a sedative and anxiolytic drug in the cyclopyrrolone family of drugs. Other cyclopyrrolone drugs include zopiclone and pagoclone.

Suriclone has a very similar pharmacological profile to the benzodiazepine family of drugs including sedative and anxiolytic properties but with less amnestic effects,^{[1] [2]} and its chemical structure is quite different from that of the benzodiazepine drugs.

The mechanism of action by which suriclone produces its sedative and anxiolytic effects is by modulating GABA_A receptors, although suriclone is more subtype-selective than most benzodiazepines.^[3]

Notes and References

1. Gilburt SJ, Fairweather DB, Kerr JS, Hindmarch I . The effects of acute and repeated doses of suriclone on subjective sleep, psychomotor performance and cognitive function in young and elderly volunteers . Fundamental & Clinical Pharmacology . 6 . 6 . 251–8 . 1992 . 1362556 . 10.1111/j.1472-8206.1992.tb00118.x . 23320665 .
2. Saletu B, Grünberger J, Linzmayer L, Semlitsch HV, Anderer P, Chwatal K . Pharmacokinetic and -dynamic studies with a new anxiolytic, suriclone, utilizing EEG mapping and psychometry . British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology . 37 . 2 . 145–56 . February 1994 . 7910470 . 1364591 . 10.1111/j.1365-2125.1994.tb04254.x .
3. Blanchard JC, Julou L . Suriclone: a new cyclopyrrolone derivative recognizing receptors labeled by benzodiazepines in rat hippocampus and cerebellum . Journal of Neurochemistry . 40 . 3 . 601–7 . March 1983 . 6298365 . 10.1111/j.1471-4159.1983.tb08023.x . 35732735 .