JIST

Abstract

'Benzodiazepines are one of the most prescribed medicaments for their therapeutic properties as anxiolytics (anti-anxiety agents), hypnotics and sedatives, anesthetics, anti-convulsants and as myorelaxants and are often encountered in toxicological cases. These drugs are often used in drug facilitated sexual assaults, kidnapping, robbery and passenger duping due to their action as CNS depressants. Even due to their high potency, even a low concentration of drug results in immediate effects. The concentrations of these compounds in samples are in micrograms which make it even more important to use techniques which are very sensitive and require very less quantity of samples. Medical and forensic importance of 1,4-benzodiazepine derivatives emphasize the need of a sensitive and reliable method for their analysis. In the present study, the analytical techniques and methods for analysis of benzodiazepines from different matrices are reviewed. The review was preceded by a short introduction and action of benzodiazepines.