Triazolam
Pronouncation: (try-AZE-oh-lam)Class: Benzodiazepine
Trade Names:
Halcion
- Tablets 0.125 mg
- Tablets 0.25 mg
APO-Triazo (Canada)
Gen-Triazolam (Canada)
Pharmacology
Potentiates action of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, resulting in increased neuronal inhibition and CNS depression, especially in limbic system and reticular formation.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Triazolam's T max is 2 h; C max is 1 to 6 ng/mL. Plasma levels achieved are proportional to the dose given.
Metabolism
Metabolites are mainly conjugated glucuronides presumably inactive.
Elimination
Triazolam plasma t ½ is 1.5 to 5.5 h. Metabolites are primarily excreted in urine (79.9%). Urinary excretion is biphasic in its time course.
Indications and Usage
Treatment of insomnia.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines; pregnancy.
Dosage and Administration
AdultsPO 0.125 to 0.5 mg at bedtime.
Elderly or debilitated patientsInitiate with 0.125 mg until individual response is determined.
Storage/Stability
Store at room temperature in a tight, light-resistant container.
Drug Interactions
Alcohol, CNS depressants (eg, narcotic sedatives)May cause additive CNS depressant effects.
Cimetidine, disulfiram, omeprazole, oral contraceptivesTriazolam effects may increase.
DigoxinSerum digoxin concentrations may be increased.
TheophyllineMay antagonize sedative effects.
Laboratory Test Interactions
None well documented.
Adverse Reactions
CNS
Anterograde amnesia; headache; nervousness; drowsiness; confusion; talkativeness; apprehension; irritability; euphoria; weakness; tremor; incoordination; memory impairment; depression; ataxia; dizziness; dreaming/nightmares; hallucinations; paradoxical reactions (eg, anger, hostility, mania, muscle spasms).
Dermatologic
Rash; photosensitivity.
EENT
Visual or auditory disturbances; depressed hearing; taste disturbances.
GI
Heartburn; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; constipation; dry mouth; anorexia.
Hematologic
Blood dyscrasias including agranulocytosis; anemia; thrombocytopenia; leukopenia; neutropenia.
Hepatic
Hepatic dysfunction including hepatitis and jaundice.
Miscellaneous
Dependence/withdrawal syndrome (eg, confusion, abnormal perception of movement, depersonalization, muscle twitching, psychosis, paranoid delusions, seizures). Rebound sleep disorder (recurrence of insomnia worse than before treatment) may occur during first 3 nights after abrupt discontinuation.
Precautions
Pregnancy
Category X .
Lactation
Undetermined.
Children
Not for use in children younger than 18 yr of age.
Special Risk Patients
Use drug with caution in elderly patients and patients with renal or hepatic function impairment, depression or suicidal tendencies, drug abuse and dependence, chronic pulmonary insufficiency or apnea, seizure disorder.
Dependence
Prolonged use (more than 1 to 2 wk) can lead to dependence. Withdrawal syndrome may occur; taper dose gradually.
Overdosage
Symptoms
Somnolence, confusion, delirium, lack of coordination, ataxia, slurred speech, respiratory depression, coma, seizures.
Patient Information
- Caution patient that this medication must not be taken during pregnancy or when pregnancy is possible. Advise patient to use reliable form of birth control while taking this drug.
- Remind patient that medication should not be abruptly discontinued.
- Review with patient and family other general sleep promotion measures, as well as what to avoid, such as caffeine and excessive exercise at bedtime.
- Explain that medication may cause morning drowsiness or tiredness.
- Caution patient regarding dependence potential.
- Explain potential side effects and what to report to health care provider (eg, confusion, paradoxical excitement, headache, bleeding, recurrent sleep disorder).
- Instruct patient to avoid intake of alcoholic beverages or other CNS depressants.
- Advise patient to use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring mental alertness.
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More Triazolam resources:
Triazolam - Includes detailed dosage instructions.
