Benzodiazepine inverse agonist. Binds with high affinity to both diazepam-sensitive (DS) and diazepam-insensitive (DI) GABAA receptors (Ki values are ~ 0.2 and ~ 2.6 nM for DS and DI receptors respectively). Antagonizes effects of ethanol on locomotor behavior and suppresses ethanol intake in alcohol-preferring rats.