Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

ZOMETAPINE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

A bicyclic antidepressant, structurally related to benzodiazepines, used in the treatment
of depression. CAUTION: May modify behaviour and state of alertness; exposed individuals
taking charge of vehicles or machinery should be warned of the hazards.

SYNONYMS

C14-H15-Cl-N4, "4-(3-chlorophenyl)-1, 6, 7, 8-tetrahydro-1, 3-dimethylpyrazolo[3, 4-e][1,
4]diazepine", "4-(3-chlorophenyl)-1, 6, 7, 8-tetrahydro-1, 3-dimethylpyrazolo[3, 4-e][1,
4]diazepine", CI-781, "pyrazolodiazepine bicyclic antidepressant"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Although ingestion is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still be damaging to the health of the individual following ingestion, especially where pre-  existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however, ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern.  Benzodiazepine overdose is frequent, but serious poisonings are uncommon, sometimes even in high doses. The most common side-effects are drowsiness, dizziness and inco-  ordination. Higher doses cause more severe expression. Other effects may include low blood pressure, respiratory depression, nausea and constipation, changes in saliva output,  blurred and double vision, difficulty speaking, skin rashes, reduced urine output, incontinence, tremor and change in sex drive. Occasionally, there are blood changes and jaundice. Persons with a psychiatric history taking drugs should be monitored carefully as they are more prone to dependence and addiction. Side effects of sleeping medication include drowsiness, dizziness, light-headedness and inco-ordination and alcohol can increase them. Drug dependency can occur after a few weeks of nightly administration. Withdrawal of the drug is associated with a range of unpleasant effects and severity; it can also cause rebound insomnia, where the symptoms are worse than before. Rarely, behavior changes may follow administration of sleeping drugs. If used late in pregnancy it can sedate the fetus.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  

SKIN

  Skin contact with the material may damage the health of the individual; systemic effects may result following absorption.  The material is not thought to be a skin irritant (as classified using animal models). Temporary discomfort, however, may result from prolonged dermal exposures. Good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  Open cuts, abraded or irritated skin should not be exposed to this material.  Toxic effects may result from skin absorption.  

INHALED

  Inhalation may produce health damage*.  The material is not thought to produce respiratory irritation (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless inhalation of the material, especially for prolonged periods, may produce respiratory discomfort and occasionally, distress.  Persons with impaired respiratory function, airway diseases and conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, may incur further disability if excessive concentrations of particulate are inhaled.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are by accidental skin and eye contact andinhalation of generated dusts.  Prolonged use of benzodiazepines can lead to alcoholism-like dependence. Tolerance and withdrawal symptoms are seen in long-term treatment in high doses. Benzodiazepines can cause involuntary movements and difficulties in moving the muscles of the face. Arteriosclerosis, kidney, liver and respiratory conditions can be aggravated. They also cause an increased risk of some birth defects such as cleft palate. Benzodiazepines may be associated with some cancers.  As with any chemical product, contact with unprotected bare skin; inhalation of vapor, mist or dust in work place atmosphere; or ingestion in any form, should be avoided by observing good occupational work practice.