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Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics ›› 2026, Vol. 31 ›› Issue (3): 352-361.doi: 10.12092/j.issn.1009-2501.2026.03.007

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Research progress on the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of oxazepam

Yiqun WANG1,2,*(), Zhilin WANG1, Qingyang LI1, Wenjie CEN1, Qiaoyuan ZHENG1, Zhili HUANG1,2,*()   

  1. 1. Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
    2. State Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Institutes of Brain Science and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
  • Received:2025-10-27 Revised:2026-03-02 Online:2026-03-26 Published:2026-04-03
  • Contact: Yiqun WANG,Zhili HUANG E-mail:yiqunwang@fudan.edu.cn;huangzl@fudan.edu.cn

Abstract:

Oxazepam belongs to the class of medium-to-short-acting benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic drugs. Its mechanism of action mainly involves regulating the γ-aminobutyric acid A receptor through positive allosteric effects, thereby enhancing the inhibitory neural transmission of γ-aminobutyric acid. Studies have shown that oxazepam has significant efficacy in regulating biological rhythms, improving sleep, and alleviating anxiety. Recent researches have found that this drug can also promote the generation of neurosteroids by binding to mitochondrial translocation proteins, thereby potentially playing a role in the treatment of drug addiction and alcohol dependence. In terms of safety, compared with some long-acting benzodiazepine drugs, oxazepam has a relatively smaller impact on cognitive function, especially in elderly patients, as its metabolic pathway does not rely on cytochrome P450, and there are fewer cases of excessive sedation and drug accumulation, making it safer. When using this drug clinically, it is necessary to fully consider the patient's symptom characteristics and individual condition, comprehensively weigh the pros and cons, and use it in a standardized and reasonable manner.

Key words: oxazepam, benzodiazepines, GABAA receptor, biological rhythm, sleep, anxiety

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