Lorazepam
Ativan
Class:
Benzodiazepine, Sedative, Anticonvulsant
Benzodiazepine, Sedative, Anticonvulsant
Mechanism of Action:
Anxiolytic, anticonvulsant and sedative effects; suppresses propagation of seizure activity produced by foci in cortex, thalamus and limbic areas.
Anxiolytic, anticonvulsant and sedative effects; suppresses propagation of seizure activity produced by foci in cortex, thalamus and limbic areas.
Indications:
- Initial control of status epilepticus or severe recurrent seizures.
- Severe anxiety.
- Sedation.
Contraindications:
- Coma.
- Shock.
- Suspected drug abuse.
Adverse reactions:
Respiratory depression, apnea, drowsiness, sedation, ataxia, psychomotor impairment, confusion. Restlessness, delirium. Hypotension, bardycardia.
Respiratory depression, apnea, drowsiness, sedation, ataxia, psychomotor impairment, confusion. Restlessness, delirium. Hypotension, bardycardia.
Drug Interactions
May precipitate CNS depression if patient is already taking CNS depressant medications.
May precipitate CNS depression if patient is already taking CNS depressant medications.
Adult Dosage and Administration
Note: When given IV or IO, must dilute with equal volume of sterile water or sterile saline; When given IM, Lorazepam is not to be diluted.
Note: When given IV or IO, must dilute with equal volume of sterile water or sterile saline; When given IM, Lorazepam is not to be diluted.
- 2-4 mg slow IV at 2mg / min. or IM; may repeat in 15-20 minutes to maximum dose of 8mg.
- Sedation: 0.05 mg/kg up to 4 mg IM.
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Pediatric Dosage and Administration:0.05 - 0.20 mg/kg slow IV, IO slowly over 2 minutes or IM; may repeat in 15-25 minutes to maximum dose of 0.2 mg/kg.
Duration of Action
- Onset: 1-5 minutes.
- Peak effect: variable.
- Duration: 6-8 hours.
Special Considerations:
- Pregnancy safety: Category D.
- Inadvertent arterial injection may result in vasospasm and gangrene.
- Lorazepam expires in 6 weeks if not refrigerated.
Storage
According to stability information, Lorazepam injection requires refrigeration and should be stored at 2-8° C (35-45° F). Lorazepam injection should be protected from light, which can be accomplished by retaining the vial in the carton until ready for use. In addition, freezing of the injection should be avoided.
According to stability information, Lorazepam injection requires refrigeration and should be stored at 2-8° C (35-45° F). Lorazepam injection should be protected from light, which can be accomplished by retaining the vial in the carton until ready for use. In addition, freezing of the injection should be avoided.