Lorazepam
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Lorazepam
(lor- AYZ-eh-pam)
Pregnancy Category: D Apo-Lorazepam Ativan Lorazepam Intensol Novo-Lorazem Nu-Loraz PMS-Lorazepam Pro-Lorazepam (C-IV) (Rx)

Classification: Antianxiety agent, benzodiazepine

See Also: See also Tranquilizers, Antimanic Drugs, and Hypnotics .

Action/Kinetics: Absorbed and eliminated faster than other benzodiazepines. Peak plasma levels: PO, 1-6 hr; IM, 1-1.5 hr. t 1/2: 10-20 hr. Metabolized to inactive compounds, which are excreted through the kidneys.

Uses: PO: Anxiety, tension, anxiety with depression, insomnia, acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Parenteral: Amnesic agent, anticonvulsant, antitremor drug, adjunct to skeletal muscle relaxants, preanesthetic medication, adjunct prior to endoscopic procedures, treatment of status epilepticus, relief of acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Investigational: Antiemetic in cancer chemotherapy.

Additional Contraindications: Narrow-angle glaucoma. Parenterally in children less than 18 years.

Special Concerns: PO dosage has not been established in children less than 12 years of age and IV dosage has not been established in children less than 18 years of age. Use cautiously in presence of renal and hepatic disease.

Additional Drug Interactions: With parenteral lorazepam, scopolamine sedation, hallucinations, and behavioral abnormalities.

How Supplied: Concentrate: 2 mg/mL; Injection: 2 mg/mL, 4 mg/mL; Tablet: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg

Dosage
?Tablets, Concentrate Anxiety.
Adults: 1-3 mg b.i.d.-t.i.d.
Hypnotic.
Adults: 2-4 mg at bedtime. Geriatric/debilitated clients, initial: 0.5-2 mg/day in divided doses. Dose can be adjusted as required.
?IM Preoperatively.
Adults: 0.05 mg/kg up to maximum of 4 mg 2 hr before surgery for maximum amnesic effect.
?IV Preoperatively.
Adults, initial: 0.044 mg/kg or a total dose of 2 mg, whichever is less.
Amnesic effect.
Adults: 0.05 mg/kg up to a maximum of 4 mg administered 15-20 min prior to surgery.
Antiemetic in cancer chemotherapy.
Initial: 2 mg 30 min before beginning chemotherapy; then, 2 mg q 4 hr as needed.