Lorazepam Pharmacology

Lorazepam

About Lorazepam

Benzodiazepine derivative, Sedative-hypnotic, antianxiety, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant,antipanic.

Mechanism of Action of Lorazepam

Lorazepam mainly acts on Limbic system and ascending reticular formation in the CNS and it 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 chloride ions and decreases firing rate of neurons. These alter normal excitatory functions of the body.
Lorazepam is used as adjuncts in anaesthesia for anxiolysis, amnesia and sedation prior to induction of anaesthesia

Pharmacokinets of Lorazepam

Absorption: It is well absorbed after oral administration Distribution: It is distributed widely in the body. Metabolism: It is metabolised to inactive metabolite in the liver. Excretion: Most metabolites are excreted through urine

Onset of Action for Lorazepam

1 hour

Duration of Action for Lorazepam

12 - 24 hour

Half Life of Lorazepam

10 - 20 hour

Side Effects of Lorazepam

1.Ataxia
2.Drowsiness
3.Lethargy
4.Hallucination
5.Nausea
6.Constipation or diarrhoea
7.Amnesia
8.Dependence
9.Pain at the site of injection
10.Confusion
11.Light headedness
12.Mood changes
13.Muscle cramp
14.Tremor

Contra-indications of Lorazepam

1.Hypersensitivity to Benzodiazepines
2.Acute narrow angle glaucoma

Special Precautions while taking Lorazepam

1.Renal impairment
2.Hepatic impairment
3.Myasthenia gravis
4.Pulmonary insufficiency
5.Jaundice

Pregnancy Related Information

Contraindicated.

Old Age Related Information

Used with caution

Breast Feeding Related Information

Contraindicated

Children Related Information

Below 12 years contraindicated
NEONATES- contraindicated

Indications for Lorazepam

1.Anxiety
2.Preanaesthetic medication
3.Insomnia
4.Anxiety neuroses

Interactions for Lorazepam

Alcohol & Other CNS depressants: Enhanced CNS effects.
Digoxin: Increase in serum concentration of digoxin.
Imipramine & Desipramine: Enhanced activity of these drugs.
Levodopa: Decrease in antiparkinsonism efficacy.
Oral contraceptives: Decrease efficacy of lorazepam.
Theophylline: Antagonises the sedative effect.

Typical Dosage for Lorazepam

Adult: 2 - 6 mg/day in divided dose
Anxiety: 1 - 2 mg 2 - 3 times a day
Maximum dose: 10 mg / day
Insomnia: 1 - 4 mg at bed time
As Antiemetic before chemotherapy: 2.5 mg in the evening ( the day before chemotherapy) and repeat after beginning of the therapy . Anaesthetic-PAM (IM): 0.05 mg / kg body weight given 2 hours before surgery.
Children: 0.05mg/kg orally/ parenterally every 4 - 8 hours in a day.

Schedule of Lorazepam

Storage Requirements for Lorazepam

The drug should be kept at room temperature (25 degree C) in a tightly closed container. Keep out of the reach of children

Effects of Missed Dosage of Lorazepam

Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose.

Effects of Overdose of Lorazepam

Give support and symptomatic treatment. Flumazenil can be given as antagonist. Hypotension can be treated with vasopressors.If the patient is conscious induce emesis followed by charcoal administration.

Home Delivery for Lorazepam in Your City

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

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 lorazepam and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for lorazepam 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 lorazepam 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 lorazepam before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for lorazepam with the pharmacy.

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