Flumazenil

**Semantic type:** Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** An imidazo-benzodiazepine derivative, effective in reversing benzodiazepine-induced activities. Flumazenil antagonizes the benzodiazepine binding site of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)/benzodiazepine receptor complex in the central nervous system (CNS), thereby preventing the chloride channel opening events and inhibiting neuronal hyperpolarization. As a result, flumazenil reverses benzodiazepine-induced effects including sedation, psychomotor deficits, amnesia, and hypoventilation in a dose-dependent manner.

**Synonyms:** - 4H-Imidazo(1,5-a)(1,4)benzodiazepine-3-carboxylic Acid, 8-fluoro-5,6-dihydro-5-methyl-6-oxo-, Ethyl Ester - Anexate - FLUMAZENIL - Lanexat - Ro 151788 - Romazicon