Lorazepam (Lorazepam)
Overview of Lorazepam
Chemically Lorazepam is identified as 7-chloro-5- (o-chlorophenyl)-1, 3-dihydro-3- hydroxy-2H-1, 4 benzodiazepin 2one. Lorazepam is oral and parenteral benzodiazepine used in the treatment of anxiety and status epilepticus. Other uses include perioperative sedation induction and anterograde amnesia. Intravenous it has replaced intravenous diazepam as the drug of choice for the treatment of status epilepticus because it persists in the CSF longer than diazepam. Some clinicians also prefer it over chlordiazepoxide or diazepam for controlling anxiety and agitation during ethanol withdrawal because Lorazepam is not metabolized to active metabolites. It was approved by the FDA in September 1977. The action is mediated through the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
Indication of Lorazepam
Lorazepam is primarily indicated in conditions like Acute nausea and vomiting, Acute panic attacks, All forms of epilepsy, Anxiety, Anxiety associated with obsessional states, Anxiety associated with phobic states, Convulsions, Insomnia, Myoclonus, Pre-operative anxiety, Psychotic illness, Sedation with amnesia, Status epilepticus, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Premedication.
Contraindication of Lorazepam
Lorazepam is contraindicated in conditions like Hypersensitivity.
Side Effects of Lorazepam
Lorazepam produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Acute anaphylactic reactions. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Lorazepam therapy.,The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Lorazepam include Drowsiness, Ataxia, CNS depression, Dysarthria.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Lorazepam are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Dizziness, Headache, Drowsiness, Nausea, Blurred vision, Confusion.
Precautions of Lorazepam
Perform periodic blood counts and liver function tests during long term therapy with lorazepam. It should be used with caution in patients if increased salivation cause respiratory difficulty, because it may produce an increase in salivation. Give least amount of drug to patients in whom depression accompanies anxiety and suicidal tendencies may be present. It should be used with caution (if it contains tartrazine)in patients with aspirin hypersensitivity because it may cause allergic reaction (including bronchial asthma).