It was patented in Japan by Sumitomo in 1972[1] and its medical use remains mostly confined to that country.

Its muscle relaxant properties are approximately equivalent to those of diazepam - however, it has more powerful sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic and anticonvulsant effects and is around four times more potent by weight compared to diazepam.

[2] It is longer acting than diazepam due to its long-acting active metabolites,[3] which contribute significantly to its effects.

[5][6] Flutoprazepam is typically used for the treatment of severe insomnia and may also be used for treating stomach ulcers.

[7] Flutoprazepam does not fall under the international Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971, and is currently unscheduled in the United States.