Flumazenil

Flumazenil (also known as flumazepil, code name Ro 15-1788, trade names Anexate, Lanexat, Mazicon, Romazicon) is a GABA antagonist available for injection only, and the only benzodiazepine receptor antagonist on the market today.

It was first introduced in 1987 by Hoffmann-La Roche under the trade name Anexate, but only approved by the FDA on December 20, 1991. Some years ago an oral preparation was under development, though it had low bio-availability and was thus abandoned. There is hope that oral flumazenil or other benzodiazepine antagonists such as B-carbolines will be developed in the future.