Benzodiazepines: pharmacokinetic profile and clinical implications

Major differences exist in the pharmacokinetic profile of the benzodiazepines and this provides a clinically useful basis for the therapeutic selection of compounds, particularly as anxiolytics and hypnotics. There are important differences in the elimination profile of the benzodiazephines: several factors can modify the process of oxidation appreciably; the plasma elimination half-life (T 1/2 beta) and the residual fraction (r12,1; R1, rSS) are useful pharmacokinetic parameters for evaluating the potential for persistent residual CNS depressant effects. Differences in the onset-time and duration of action are also influenced by the absorption and distribution profiles of the compounds.