Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine drug. Benzodiazepines are CNS depressants that treat anxiety, epilepsy, insomnia, and as premedication in surgery.
Medically reviewed by Stephanie Nera, RPh, PharmD · Pharmacology
Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine drug. Benzodiazepines are CNS depressants that treat anxiety, epilepsy, insomnia, and as premedication in surgery.
In the Philippines, lorazepam is a dangerous drug assigned to schedule IV. This means only physicians with a S-2 license can prescribe this drug.
Read the directions on the packaging for complete information. Check the label and expiration date.
For oral dosage forms, swallow it whole without chewing, crushing, or dissolving it in liquid.
For parenteral dosage forms, only a licensed healthcare professional should administer it.
Store this product at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store it in the bathroom or the freezer.
There may be different brands of this drug that may have different storage needs. So, it is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.
You should not flush this product down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Additionally, it is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Before using this drug, tell your doctor if you are/have:
This drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy. There is evidence that suggests that lorazepam can increase the risk of fetal harm and withdrawal symptoms, especially during the first trimester. Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking any medication.
This medication is pregnancy risk category D according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
FDA pregnancy risk category reference below:
Like all drugs, this product may have side effects. If they occur, side effects are generally mild and resolve once treatment is finished or the dose is lowered. Some reported side effects include:
However, not everyone experiences these side effects. In addition, some people may experience other side effects. So, if you have any concerns about a side effect, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects.
To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.
If you experience an adverse drug interaction, inform your doctor immediately to reevaluate your treatment plan. Approaches include dose adjustment, drug substitution, or ending therapy.
This drug may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Do not consume alcohol while taking this medication. Avoid consuming grapefruit and caffeinated products. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.
This drug may interact with underlying conditions. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. Therefore, it is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have, especially:
The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. Therefore, you should always consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using any medication.
Status epilepticus
IV: Administer 4 mg of lorazepam as a single dose, may be repeated once after 10-15 minutes if seizure continues or recurs.
Prior to surgery
IV: Administer 0.05 mg/kg given 30-45 minutes before surgery via IV or 60-90 minutes before surgery via IM.
Oral: Take 2 t0 3 mg given the night before the operation followed by 2-4 mg 1-2 hours before the procedure.
Acute anxiety
IV/IM: Administer 0.025 to 0.03 mg/kg, may be repeated 6 hourly, if necessary. The injection rate should not be more than 2 mg/minute.
Oral: Take 1 to 4 mg daily in divided doses for 2 to 4 weeks.
Insomnia
Oral: Take 1-2 mg at bedtime.
Dose adjustment for elderly
Reduce the dose to half the normal adult dose.
Status epilepticus
IV: Administer 2 mg of lorazepam as a single dose, may be repeated once after 10-15 minutes if seizure continues or recurs.
Prior to surgery
Age 5 to 13 years: Give 0.5 to 2.5 mg at 0.05 mg/kg to the nearest 0.5 mg based on weight, not less than 1 hour before operation.
How is loprazepam available?
Loprazepam is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:
In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.
Disclaimer
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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