Detection of Flunitrazepam in Biological Fluids and Beverages:A Review

Abstract

Flunitrazepam, a very potent benzodiazepine with sedative, hypnotic and amnesic effects, is commonly used to treat severe insomnia and as an anesthetic. Due to these characteristics, when flunitrazepam is sneaked into alcohol or drinks, it is often highly associated with violent behavior and drug rape cases. Therefore, it is also known as a “date rape drug”, and the detection of flunitrazepam and its metabolites is of great interest in forensic medicine and pharmacotoxicology. This paper describes the mechanism of action and drug metabolism process of flunitrazepam, reviews the different methods for detecting flunitrazepam published over the years, summarizes the detection limits of each method and compares their advantages and disadvantages. We hope to provide some inspiration for future research in this field.