Nitrazepam Pharmacology

Nitrazepam

About Nitrazepam

Benzodiazepine derivative, Sedative-hypnotic, anxiolytic, amnestic, anticonvulsant, skeletal muscle relaxant.

Mechanism of Action of Nitrazepam

Nitrazepam mainly acts on Limbic system and ascending reticular formation in the CNS and binds to the BZD receptor. The binding will facilitates GABA mediated chloride channel opening and produce hyperpolarisation. This will produce an increase in the concentration of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA and decreases firing rate of neuron. This in turn alters normal functions of the body. Nitrazepam produces dose dependent sedative and antiepileptic actions.
Nitrazepam has been most useful in the treatment of infantile Myoclonic seizures.

Pharmacokinets of Nitrazepam

Absorption: It is well absorbed after oral administration.
Distribution: It is distributed and redistributed widely in the body in protein bound form.
Metabolism: It is metabolised in the liver.
Excretion: Most metabolites are excreted slowly in urine

Onset of Action for Nitrazepam

0.5 - 1 hour

Duration of Action for Nitrazepam

6- 8 hours

Half Life of Nitrazepam

5 - 24 hours

Side Effects of Nitrazepam

1. Ataxia
2. Drowsiness
3. Lethargy
4. Hallucination
5. Nausea
6. Constipation
7. Amnesia
8. Dependence
9. Confusion
10. Light headedness
11. Mood changes
12. Muscle cramp
13. Excessive salivation
14. Somnolence
15. Drug dependence

Contra-indications of Nitrazepam

1. Hypersensitivity to Benzodiazepines
2. Acute narrow angle glaucoma

Special Precautions while taking Nitrazepam

1. Renal impairment
2. Hepatic impairment
3. Open angle glaucoma
4. Depression
5. Do not drive vehicle or operate machine or involved in any dangerous activities.

Pregnancy Related Information

Contraindicated

Old Age Related Information

Use with caution

Breast Feeding Related Information

Contraindicated

Children Related Information

Use with caution
NEONATES : Contraindicated

Indications for Nitrazepam

1. Insomnia
2. Myoclonic epilepsy

Interactions for Nitrazepam

Cimetidine, Oral contraceptives, Disulfiram, Fluoxetine, Isoniazid, Ketoconazole, Metoprolol, Propoxephene, Propranolol, Valproic acid: Elimination of Nitrazepam decreased due to inhibition of hepatic metabolism leading to enhanced activity.
Alcohol & other CNS depression: Enhanced CNS effects.
Digoxin: Increase in serum concentration of digoxin.
Levodopa: Decrease in antiparkinsonism efficacy.
Imipramine & Desipramine: Enhanced activity of these drugs.
Aminophylline: Antagonises the sedative effect.
Rifampicin: Decreases efficacy.
Ranitidine: Decreases GI absorption of nitrazepam.

Typical Dosage for Nitrazepam

Adult: 5 - 10 mg at bed time
Myoclonic seizure: 0.3 - 1 mg / kg / day
Children: 2.5 - 5 mg at bed time

Schedule of Nitrazepam

Storage Requirements for Nitrazepam

The drug should be kept at 15 - 30 degree C in a tightly closed container. Keep out of the reach of children.

Effects of Missed Dosage of Nitrazepam

Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Effects of Overdose of Nitrazepam

Give support and symptomatic treatment. Flumazenil can be given as antagonist. Hypotension can be treated with vasopressors. Flumazenil cannot be given to epileptic patients.

Home Delivery for Nitrazepam in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including nitrazepam.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for nitrazepam and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for nitrazepam may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take nitrazepam only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for nitrazepam before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for nitrazepam with the pharmacy.

Nitrazepam is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for nitrazepam might be better known than nitrazepam itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have nitrazepam in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for nitrazepam.