Course Title: Medicinal Chemistry of CNS Depressants – Part 1
Instructor: Dr. Ahmed Elkerdawy
Position: Senior Lecturer in Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Contact: aelkerdawy@lincoln.ac.uk
Location: JBL2W25
Wilson and Gisvold's Textbook
Authors: Block, John H.; Wilson, Charles Owens; Beale, John Marlowe
12th edition, International
Published by Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins in 2011
ISBN: 1609133986, 9781609133986
Relevant Chapters: 12 & 14
Foyes Principles of Medicinal Chemistry
Editors: Lemke, Thomas L.; Zito, William S.; Roche, Victoria F.; Williams, David A.
Eighth, International Edition
Published by Wolters Kluwer Health in 2020
ISBN: 1975139038, 9781975139032
Relevant Chapters: 14-17
Categories of CNS Depressants:
Anti-psychotics
Sedative, hypnotic, and anxiolytic agents
Anti-epileptics
Anti-psychotics (Neuroleptics, Major Tranquilizers)
Discussed in detail by Dr. Ahmed Elkerdawy
Focus Area: Chemical structure and pharmacology
Anti-psychotics
Categories include Neuroleptics and Major Tranquilizers
Primary Uses:
Treat psychosis and schizophrenia
Act as anti-emetic due to D2-blocking properties at the CTZ (Chemoreceptor Trigger Zone)
Schizophrenia Symptoms:
Positive Symptoms: Delusions, Hallucinations
Negative Symptoms: Blunted affect, Apathy
Mechanism: Involves hyperactivity of mesolimbic D2 and 5-HT2A receptors
Anti-psychotic Types:
Typical (Strong D2 antagonists)
Atypical (Weaker D2 antagonists, Less EPS)
Dopamine Pathways in the Brain:
Nigrostriatal Pathway: Movement control
Mesolimbic Pathway: Reward and emotion
Mesocortical Pathway: Cognitive function
Tuberoinfundibular Pathway: Hormonal regulation
Reference: Stahl, S. M. (2013). Stahl's Essential Psychopharmacology.
Typical Anti-psychotics (First Generation):
Phenothiazines
Thioxanthenes
Butyrophenones
Diphenylbutylpiperidines
Mechanism: Block D2 receptors → Increased EPS (Extra-pyramidal symptoms)
Typical Side Effects:
Extra-pyramidal symptoms (EPS) → resembling Parkinsonism
Anti-cholinergic effects: Dry mouth, blurred vision
Sedation due to central H1-blocking
Hypotension due to peripheral α1-blocking
Other: Photosensitivity, retinal toxicity
Phenothiazines Overview:
Main Structure: Tricyclic base (6-6-6 system)
Variation in alkyl substitutions leads to differing potencies and side effects
Chlorpromazine (CPZ):
Prototype of phenothiazines
Side Effects: Sedation and hypotension due to H1 and α1 blockage
Binding Mode:
Similar to Dopamine (DA) in D2 receptor binding, utilizing trans α-rotamer conformation
Position 2 Substitution:
Electron-withdrawing Groups (EWGs such as Cl, CF3) enhance activity through hydrogen bonding
Arrangement mimics dopamine
Position 1 Substitution:
Disturbs DA-like conformation → decreases activity
Position 4 Substitution:
Disrupts binding to D2 receptors → decreases activity
C-Chain Structure:
3 carbon atoms optimal for activity; modifications reduce effectiveness
Branching at β-position diminishes activity
Amine Group:
Tertiary amine structure is optimal for activity
N-dealkylation reduces activity, while cyclic N retains activity
Further Influences:
EWGs at R2 → increase in activity
Optimal activity seen in tertiary amines
C-chain optimal at 3 carbons
Phenothiazine Classes:
Propyl Dialkylamino derivatives
Alkyl Piperidyl derivatives
Piperazinyl derivatives
Examples:
Promazine, Chlorpromazine, and Triflupromazine
Notable for increased EPS and anti-psychotic potency
Metabolic Pathways:
N-dealkylation and C7 Hydroxylation lead to increase side effects
Key metabolic transformations observed in phenothiazines
Effects:
High anticholinergic effects reduce EPS risk
Associated with cardiotoxicity and pigmentary retinopathy
Use discontinued due to severe toxicity profiles
Example: Pericyazine
Notably short-acting (t1/2 = 12hr) due to rapid metabolism
Examples:
Prochlorperazine, Trifluoperazine, Fluphenazine
Notorious for high activity and EPS side effects
Thioxanthenes Properties:
Similar pharmacology to Phenothiazines
Short duration, potential strategies for prolonging effects
Main Nucleus:
Overview of structure and its implications on activity
Examples: Haloperidol and Benperidol
Increased potency with EPS side effects
Noted for their short duration of action
Example: Pimozide
Notable for its long duration of action and lipophilicity
Atypical Agents:
Primarily act on D2 and 5HT2A receptors, less EPS than typical agents
Effective in alleviating negative symptoms of schizophrenia
Compounds:
Includes Dibenzodiazepines, Dibenzoxazepines, Thienobenzodiazepines
Examples: Clozapine, Loxapine, Olanzapine
Mechanism of Action:
Important for H-bonding for antipsychotic activity in this category
Compounds: Includes agents like Risperidone and Paliperidone
Similar effects as typical but with less EPS
Aripiprazole Mechanism:
Partial agonist at D2 receptors, significant duration of action
Active metabolites contribute to prolonged effects
CNS Depressants: Summary of categories - Anti-psychotics
Atypical and Typical classifications discussed
Continuation of lectures by: Dr. Ahmed Elkerdawy
Discussion on categories:
Sedative, Hypnotic, and Anxiolytic Agents
Anti-epileptics
Anti-psychotics
Overview of Sedation Levels:
Dose-dependent effects ranging from mild sedation to coma and death
Key Neurotransmitters: GABA, Glycine, -Aminobutyric Acid
GABA receptors (GABAA & GABAB) are crucial for inhibitory neurotransmission
Functionality:
Ligand-gated chloride ion channel, mediating hyperpolarization
Allosteric Regulation:
Enhancers increase activity while inhibitors decrease it
Dosing Effects:
Lowest dose → sedation; highest dose → coma, possible death
Key Pharmacokinetic Properties:
High lipophilicity leads to rapid CNS distribution
Significant placental transfer during pregnancy
Metabolism leads to less active excretion products
Main Classes:
Barbiturates
Benzodiazepines
Non-Benzodiazepines (Z-drugs)
Miscellaneous
Mechanism:
Positive modulation of GABA-linked chloride channel opening
Mimics GABA action without requiring its presence
Use Cases:
Anesthetic, hypnotic, anti-convulsant
High potential for habituation and tolerance
Structural Overview:
Highlighting key substructures and their implications on function
Importance of Free Acid:
Essential for activity across compounds
Effect of Substitution:
Identifying how molecular changes affect pharmacological efficacy
Influences of Position 5:
Determine onset and duration through lipophilicity adjustments
Classification by Action:
Categorized based on duration and onset properties, primarily impacted by lipophilicity
Mechanism of Action for Benzodiazepines:
Positive modulation on GABAA receptor leading to hyperpolarization
Use Cases:
Anxiety, insomnia, muscle spasms, anti-convulsant
Side effects can include drowsiness, weight gain, and dependence
Benzodiazepines vs Barbiturates:
Less risk of tolerance and overdose potential, safer profile
Nucleus Overview:
Essential structural components identified for activity
Sub-categories of Benzodiazepines:
1,4-Benzodiazepine-4-oxides and 1,2-Annealated types
Chlordiazepoxide Highlights:
Importance of substituents and their effects on pharmacological activity
Active and Metabolic Properties:
Rapid metabolism leading to shorter duration of action
Prodrug Mechanism:
Activated in the body leading to Nordazepam
Short Acting Benzodiazepines:
Usage in surgical settings due to fast onset
Mechanisms and Benefits:
Advantages of non-benzodiazepines in minimizing withdrawal symptoms
Characteristics of Buspirone:
Mechanism as a presynaptic 5-HT1A partial agonist, reducing 5-HT release
Main Classes Summarization:
Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, Non-benzodiazepines, and Miscellaneous discussed
Focus: Anti-seizure and anti-epileptic drugs overview
Classification by Seizures:
Generalized Seizures (Tonic-clonic, Absence)
Partial Seizures
Unilateral Seizures
Modulation Mechanisms:
Targeting ion channels (Na+, Ca2+, K+) and GABA-mediated transmission
Examples of Anti-seizure Drugs:
Various classes used for specific seizure types outlined for reference
Main Classes:
Ureides
Benzodiazepines
Carbamazepine and Analogues
Valproic acid
GABA analogues
Novel broad-spectrum anticonvulsants
Mechanisms:
Pharmacological activity determined by substitution patterns
Use in Seizures: Benzodiazepines highlighted for their role in various seizure scenarios
Key Mechanism: Stabilization of inactive Na+ channels identified as a primary action mechanism
Broad Spectrum Agent: Utilized widely due to various mechanisms of action
Key Agents: Gabapentin, Pregabalin described in detail
Examples: Lamotrigine, Topiramate, Levetiracetam
Mechanisms cover wide ranges of action across multiple channels and neurotransmitter systems
Overview of Anti-epileptics: Summarizing different classes and their properties for easy review