Xanax Pharmacology

Xanax or Alprazolam is a highly potential benzodiazepine, mainly a type of tranquilizer that helps in reducing the debilitating symptoms like fear, pounding hearts, shortness of breath and gives a better sense of control to the victims of anxiety and panic disorder.

The main ingredient of Xanax is Alprazolam which is a complex chemical made of a triazolo 1, 4 benzodiazepine analog units. The molecular formula for it is C 17 H 13 ClN 4 and molecular weight is 308.8. It is a natural white crystalline powder which is not soluble in water with normal PH levels. At the same time, the chemical is soluble in chloroform and alcohol, partly soluble in acetone and slightly soluble in ethyl acetate. The chemical Alprazolam helps the patient by reducing stress which may trigger anxiety attacks.

Alprazolam: 8-Chloro-1-methyl-6-phenyl-4H-s-triazolo [4,3-a][1,4] benzodiazepine

It is a triazolobenzodiazepine , a drug of benzodiazepine class. It's structure has a triazolo-ring attached to it. And the chemical name for Alprazolam is '8-Chloro-1-methyl-6-phenyl-4H-s-triazolo [4,3-a][1,4] benzodiazepine'.

The exact mechanism of Alprazolam is unknown but it m ainly exerts its effect by binding to the GABA A subtype of the GABA receptor and increasing inhibitory effects of GABA in several sites within the central nervous system. It varies the depressant commotion from mild mutilation of chore performance to hypnosis.

Xanax Pharmacokinetics

Xanax/Alprazolam is for oral administration and it readily gets absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract . The plasma achieves peak concentrations within 1-2 hours from the time of administration. It is observed that plasma levels are proportionate to the administered doses of Xanax; i.e. higher dose range of 0.5 to 3.0 mg will show peak levels of 8.0 to 37 mg/ml.

In vitro, Alprazolam, mainly the albumin in it, is bound to human serum protein or plasma protein to a level of 80 percent. The pharmacologically active a -hydroxyalprazolam is hydroxylated in the liver which along with other metabolites are later excreted in urine as glucuronides. Some other ingredients of Xanax are also excreted in urine, but in unchanged form.

The half life range of Alprazolam is 6 to 20 hours after single dose administration. The constant state can be reached within 7 days with multiple doses as in three times a day. But doses should be strictly as per doctor's prescription.