Lorazepam (Monograph)
Brand name: Ativan
Drug class: Benzodiazepines
Warning
- Concomitant Use with Opiates
-
Concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opiates may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.700 701 703 705 706 707
-
Reserve concomitant use for patients in whom alternative treatment options are inadequate; use lowest effective dosages and shortest possible duration of concomitant therapy and monitor closely for respiratory depression and sedation.700 703 (See Specific Drugs under Interactions.)
- Potential for Abuse, Addiction, and Other Serious Risks
-
A boxed warning has been included in the prescribing information for all benzodiazepines describing risks of abuse, misuse, addiction, physical dependence, and withdrawal reactions.900
-
Abuse and misuse can result in overdose or death, especially when benzodiazepines are combined with other medicines, such as opioid pain relievers, alcohol, or illicit drugs.900
-
Assess a patient’s risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction.900 Standardized screening tools are available ([Web]).900
-
To reduce risk of acute withdrawal reactions, use a gradual dose taper when reducing dosage or discontinuing benzodiazepines.900 Take precautions when benzodiazepines are used in combination with opioid medications.900
Introduction
Benzodiazepine; anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, and sedative.283 435 a b
Uses for Lorazepam
Anxiety Disorders
Management of anxiety disorders and short-term relief of anxiety or anxiety associated with depressive symptoms.283 547
Preoperative Sedation, Anxiolysis, and Amnesia
Used preoperatively to produce sedation, anxiolysis, and anterograde amnesia.435
Particularly useful when relief of anxiety and diminished recall of events associated with the surgical procedure are desired.435
Status Epilepticus
Treatment of status epilepticus.435 543 545 546
Benzodiazepines are considered initial drugs of choice for management of status epilepticus because of their rapid onset of action, demonstrated efficacy, safety, and tolerability.545 563 756 757 758 759 761 762 763 764 765 766 767 771 Evidence supports use of IV lorazepam, IV diazepam, or IM midazolam.545 763 764 765 766 767 768 769 Individualize choice of therapy based on local availability, route of administration, pharmacokinetics, cost, and other factors (e.g., treatment setting).545 756 757 758 759 760 761 762 763 764 765 766 767 769
Sedation in Critical Care Settings
Has been used for sedation of intubated and mechanically ventilated patients in critical care settings† [off-label] (e.g., ICU).565 800 801 819
Nonbenzodiazepine sedatives (dexmedetomidine or propofol) are generally preferred to benzodiazepines in mechanically ventilated, critically ill adults because of some modest clinical benefits that have been demonstrated (e.g., reduced duration of mechanical ventilation, shorter time to extubation, reduced risk of delirium).800 801 817 818 819 820
When selecting an appropriate sedative agent, consider patient's individual sedation goals in addition to specific drug-related (e.g., pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, adverse effects, availability, cost) and patient-related (e.g., comorbid conditions such as anxiety, seizures, or alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal) factors.800 801
Schizophrenia
Benzodiazepines have been used for augmentation of antipsychotic therapy or adjunctive therapy in patients with schizophrenia† [off-label].529
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) suggests that a benzodiazepine may be used for the treatment of akathisia associated with antipsychotic therapy; however, potential benefits of benzodiazepine therapy should be weighed against potential adverse effects.529
Benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam) also have been used for augmentation treatment of catatonia.529
Cancer Chemotherapy-induced Nausea and Vomiting
Has been used in the management of nausea and vomiting† [off-label] associated with emetogenic cancer chemotherapy.492 493 494 495 496 497 498 499 500 501 502 503 504
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) guidelines on antiemetic therapy state that lorazepam is a useful adjunct to antiemetic drugs, but is not recommended as a single-agent antiemetic.630
Delirium
Has been used in the management of delirium† [off-label].533 535 536 537
Although there is little evidence to support use of benzodiazepines alone for general cases of delirium, these drugs may be useful for certain types of delirium (e.g., delirium related to alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal).533
Drug-induced Cardiovascular Emergencies
Adjunct in the management of certain drug-induced cardiovascular emergencies† [off-label].696 May be beneficial adjunctively in patients with cocaine-induced acute coronary syndrome†.696
Lorazepam Dosage and Administration
General
-
In patients who have received prolonged (e.g., for several months) therapy, avoid abrupt discontinuance, since manifestations of withdrawal can be precipitated; gradually taper dosage.a
Administration
Administer orally, IM, or by IV injection or IV infusion.283 435 547 a Avoid intra-arterial injection (arteriospasm may cause gangrene, possibly requiring amputation).435
Oral Administration
Mix oral concentrate solution with a liquid (e.g., water, juice, carbonated or soda-like beverage) or semi-solid food (e.g., applesauce, pudding).547 Use the calibrated dropper provided by manufacturer.547 Stir liquid or food mixture gently for a few seconds and then consume immediately; do not store mixture for future use.547
IM Administration
Administer undiluted and inject deep into the muscle mass.435 IM administration usually not recommended in the treatment of status epilepticus, but may be used if IV access not available.435
IV Administration
Administer by direct IV injection or into tubing of an existing IV infusion.435 a
Equipment necessary to maintain a patent airway and to support respiration and ventilation should be immediately available prior to IV administration.435 Monitor vital signs during IV infusion of the drug.435
IV injection:For administration as a direct IV injection, dilute commercially available injection with an equal volume of compatible diluent (e.g., sterile water for injection, 0.9% sodium chloride injection, or 5% dextrose injection).435 Following dilution, mix solution thoroughly by gently inverting container repeatedly until a homogenous solution is obtained; do not shake vigorously.435 Administer IV injection slowly at a rate not exceeding 2 mg/minute.435 Direct IV injection should be made with repeated aspiration to ensure that none of the drug is injected intra-arterially and that perivascular extravasation does not occur.435 If pain occurs during injection, immediately stop administration and determine whether intra-arterial injection or extravasation has occurred.435
IV infusion: A standard concentration of 1 mg/mL has been recommended (see Standardize 4 Safety section below).250
Standardize 4 Safety
Standardized concentrations for IV lorazepam have been established through Standardize 4 Safety (S4S), a national patient safety initiative to reduce medication errors, especially during transitions of care. Because recommendations from the S4S panels may differ from the manufacturer’s prescribing information, caution is advised when using concentrations that differ from labeling, particularly when using rate information from the label. For additional information on S4S (including updates that may be available), see [Web].250
Patient Population |
Concentration Standard |
Dosing Units |
---|---|---|
Adults |
1 mg/mL |
mg/hour |
Dosage
Pediatric Patients
Status Epilepticus†
IV
Doses of 0.05–0.1 mg/kg have been used.543 546
Sedation in Critical Care Settings†
IV
Children ≥2 months of age: Some clinicians have suggested intermittent IV infusions of 0.025–0.05 mg/kg (up to 2 mg as initial dose) every 2–4 hours.565 Alternatively, a continuous IV infusion at a rate of 0.025 mg/kg per hour (up to 2 mg/hour) has been given with supplemental injections as needed to provide the desired level of sedation.565 Reduce initial dose by 50% in children <2 months of age because of wide interpatient variations in dosage requirements and low hepatic metabolic function.565
Adults
Anxiety
Oral
Initially, 2–3 mg daily divided in 2 or 3 doses.283 547 Maintenance dosage of 1–10 mg daily (usually 2–6 mg) in divided doses, with the largest dose administered at bedtime.283 547 Increase dosage gradually if higher dosage is indicated; increase the evening dose before the daytime doses.a
For insomnia caused by anxiety or transient situational stress, 2–4 mg as a single daily dose, usually at bedtime.283 547
Preoperative Sedation, Anxiolysis, and Amnesia
IM
0.05 mg/kg (up to 4 mg) at least 2 hours prior to surgery.435
IV
Initially, 0.044 mg/kg (or total of 2 mg, whichever is smaller) 15–20 minutes prior to surgery; do not routinely exceed this dosage in patients >50 years of age.435 For amnestic effects, doses up to 0.05 mg/kg (maximum 4 mg) may be administered.435
Status Epilepticus
IV
Initially, 4 mg.435 If seizures continue or recur after a 10- to 15-minute observation period, administer an additional 4-mg dose.435 Manufacturer states that experience with administration of additional doses is limited.435
Sedation in Critical Care Settings†
IV
Some experts recommend loading dose of 0.02–0.04 mg/kg (up to 2 mg), followed by intermittent injections of 0.02–0.06 mg/kg every 2–6 hours as needed or a continuous IV infusion at a rate of 0.01–0.1 mg/kg per hour (not to exceed 10 mg/hour).801
Cancer Chemotherapy-induced Nausea and Vomiting†
Oral
2.5 mg the evening before and just after initiation of chemotherapy.496
IV
1.5 mg/m2 (up to 3 mg) over 5 minutes, given 45 minutes before administration of chemotherapy.a
Delirium†
IV
0.5–1 mg, immediately following 3 mg of haloperidol.533
Prescribing Limits
Adults
Preoperative Sedation, Anxiolysis, and Amnesia
IM
Manufacturer recommends maximum dose of 4 mg.435
IV
Manufacturer states initial dose of up to 2 mg usually administered for sedation and relief of anxiety.435 Doses up to 4 mg may be administered for amnestic effects.435
Status Epilepticus
IV
Manufacturer states experience with doses beyond the usual (4 mg initially, followed by an additional 4-mg dose 10–15 minutes later if seizures continue or recur) very limited.435
Sedation in Critical Care Settings†
IV
Some experts recommend that IV loading doses not exceed 2 mg.801
If a continuous IV infusion is used, some experts recommend that the infusion be administered no faster than 10 mg/hour.801
Special Populations
Hepatic Impairment
Dosage adjustments not required for parenteral administration.435
Adjust oral dosage carefully in patients with severe hepatic insufficiency because oral therapy may exacerbate hepatic encephalopathy; lower than recommended dosages may be sufficient in these patients.283
Renal Impairment
Dosage adjustment not required for single doses of lorazepam injection; however, exercise caution with administration of multiple doses over a short period of time.435
Geriatric Patients
Cautious dosage selection recommended because of greater sensitivity and possible age-related decreases in hepatic or renal function; initiate therapy at the lower end of the usual range.283 435
Anxiety Disorders
Oral: Initially, 1–2 mg daily divided in 2 or 3 doses.a
Preoperative Sedation, Anxiolysis, and Amnesia
Patients >50 years of age generally should not receive initial IV dose >2 mg.435 Excessive and prolonged sedation may occur.435
Cautions for Lorazepam
Contraindications
-
Known hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines or any ingredient in the formulation (e.g., benzyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, or propylene glycol in the injection).283 435
-
Acute angle-closure glaucoma (but may be administered to patients with open-angle glaucoma who are receiving appropriate therapy);283 435 however, clinical rationale for this contraindication has been questioned.b
-
Injection also contraindicated in patients with sleep apnea, patients with severe respiratory insufficiency (except in those requiring relief of anxiety and/or diminished recall of events while receiving mechanical ventilation), and in premature infants (because the formulation contains benzyl alcohol).435
-
Do not administer injection intra-arterially.435
Warnings/Precautions
Warnings
Concomitant Use with Opiates
Concomitant use of benzodiazepines, including lorazepam, and opiates may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.700 701 703 705 706 707 (See Boxed Warning.) Substantial proportion of fatal opiate overdoses involve concurrent benzodiazepine use.700 701 705 706 707 711
Reserve concomitant use of lorazepam and opiates for patients in whom alternative treatment options are inadequate.700 703 (See Specific Drugs under Interactions.)
Respiratory and Cardiovascular Effects
Use oral lorazepam with caution in patients with compromised respiratory function (e.g., COPD, sleep apnea).283 547 b
Possible apnea, hypotension, bradycardia, or cardiac arrest with parenteral administration, particularly in geriatric or severely ill patients, in patients with limited pulmonary reserve or unstable cardiovascular status, or if the drug is administered IV too rapidly.b 566 567
Concomitant use of other CNS depressants may increase the risk of apnea.a
Administer IV only in settings in which continuous monitoring of respiratory and cardiac function (i.e., pulse oximetry) is possible.435 Monitoring of vital signs should continue during recovery period.435 566 567
Facilities, age- and size-appropriate equipment for bag/mask/valve ventilation and intubation, drugs, and skilled personnel necessary for ventilation and intubation, administration of oxygen, assisted or controlled respiration, airway management, and cardiovascular support should be immediately available when lorazepam is administered IV.435 566 567
Status Epilepticus
Should be used for the treatment of status epilepticus only by clinicians experienced in the comprehensive management of the disease.435
Careful monitoring of respiratory rate and maintenance of an adequate, patent airway is required; ventilatory support may be necessary.435
Because of the prolonged duration of action, sedative effects of lorazepam (especially after multiple doses) may increase impairment of consciousness observed in the postictal state.435
CNS Effects
Performance of activities requiring mental alertness and physical coordination (operating machinery, driving a motor vehicle) may be impaired.a b Impairment may persist for 24–48 hours following parenteral administration.435 a Premature ambulation may result in falls.435
Concurrent use of other CNS depressants may cause additive or potentiated CNS depression.283 547 a b (See Concomitant Use with Opiates under Cautions and also see Specific Drugs under Interactions.)
May interfere with assessment of level of anesthesia when administered IV prior to regional or local anesthesia, especially when given at doses >0.05 mg/kg or when opiate agonists or partial agonists are used concomitantly with recommended lorazepam doses.435 a
Psychiatric Indications
Do not use in patients with primary depressive disorder or psychosis.283 547 a
Abuse Potential
Possible tolerance, psychologic dependence, and physical dependence following prolonged administration.283 b
Patients with a history of drug or alcohol dependence or abuse are at risk of habituation or dependence; use only with careful surveillance in such patients.283 547 b
Withdrawal
Symptoms of withdrawal (similar to barbiturates or alcohol) may occur if discontinued abruptly.283 547 a Avoid abrupt discontinuance; gradually taper dosage following extended therapy.283 547 a
Endoscopic Procedures
Insufficient data to support use for outpatient endoscopic procedures; when used for inpatient endoscopic procedures, adequate recovery room observation time required.435
General Precautions
Suicide
Possibility of suicide in depressed patients; do not use in such patients without adequate antidepressant therapy.283 547 b
Paradoxical Reactions
Paradoxical reactions (e.g., anxiety, excitation, hostility, aggression, rage, sleep disturbances/insomnia, sexual arousal, hallucinations) may occur, particularly in children and geriatric patients.283 547 b Discontinue drug if such reactions occur.283 547 b
Propylene Glycol or Polyethylene Glycol Toxicity
Possible adverse effects associated with propylene glycol (e.g., lactic acidosis, hyperosmolality, hypotension) or polyethylene glycol (e.g., acute tubular necrosis) in patients receiving higher than recommended parenteral dosages.435 More likely to occur in patients with renal impairment.435
Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Category D.435
Based on animal data, repeated or prolonged use of general anesthetics and sedation drugs, including lorazepam, during the third trimester of pregnancy may result in adverse neurodevelopmental effects in the fetus.750 753 (See Pediatric Use under Cautions and also see Advice to Patients.)
Lactation
Distributed into milk.435
Administer orally to nursing women only if the potential benefits to the woman outweigh the possible risk to the infant.283 Monitor nursing infants for adverse effects (e.g., sedation, irritability).283
Do not administer lorazepam injection to nursing women because of possible adverse effects to the infant (e.g., sedation).435
Pediatric Use
Safety and efficacy of tablets and oral concentrate solution not established in children <12 years of age.283
Safety of the injection for treatment of status epilepticus or efficacy for preoperative sedation not established in children <18 years of age.435
Paradoxical excitation (e.g., tremors, agitation, euphoria, logorrhea, brief episodes of visual hallucinations) reported in 10–30% of children <8 years of age.435
Seizures and myoclonus reported in pediatric patients, especially low birth weight neonates, receiving lorazepam injection.435 Brief tonic-clonic seizures reported in children receiving lorazepam for the management of atypical petit mal status epilepticus.435
Repeated or prolonged use of general anesthetics and sedation drugs, including lorazepam, in children <3 years of age or during the third trimester of pregnancy may adversely affect neurodevelopment.750 753 In animals, use for >3 hours of anesthetic and sedation drugs that block N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors and/or potentiate GABA activity leads to widespread neuronal apoptosis in the brain and long-term deficits in cognition and behavior;750 751 752 753 clinical relevance to humans is unknown.750 Some evidence suggests similar deficits may occur in children following repeated or prolonged exposure to anesthesia early in life.750 752 Some evidence also indicates that a single, relatively brief exposure to general anesthesia in generally healthy children is unlikely to cause clinically detectable deficits in global cognitive function or serious behavioral disorders.750 751 752 Most studies to date have substantial limitations; further research needed to fully characterize effects, particularly for prolonged or repeated exposures and in more vulnerable populations (e.g., less healthy children).750 Consider benefits and potential risks when determining the timing of elective procedures requiring anesthesia.750 FDA states that medically necessary procedures should not be delayed or avoided.750 753 (See Advice to Patients.)
Some pediatric patients (premature and low-birth weight infants or those receiving high doses of lorazepam injection) may be susceptible to adverse effects associated with benzyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, and propylene glycol.435 Large amounts of benzyl alcohol (i.e., 100–400 mg/kg daily) have been associated with toxicity in neonates.435 584 585 586 587 588 589 590 (See Propylene Glycol or Polyethylene Glycol Toxicity under Cautions.)
Geriatric Use
Insufficient experience in patients ≥65 years of age to determine whether geriatric patients respond differently than younger adults.283 435 Possibility of greater sensitivity to the drug (e.g., respiratory or CNS depression. sedation) in some geriatric individuals.435
Select initial dosages at the lower end of the usual range because of potential for greater sensitivity and age-related decreases in hepatic or renal function.283 435 (See Geriatric Patients under Dosage and Administration.)
May cause excessive sedation for 6–8 hours or longer after surgery in this population.435
Possible paradoxical excitation (e.g., anxiety, excitation, hostility, aggression, rage, sleep disturbances/insomnia, sexual arousal, hallucinations).b 283
Hepatic Impairment
Lorazepam injection is not recommended for use in patients with hepatic failure; use with caution in patients with mild to moderate hepatic disease.435 (See Hepatic Impairment under Dosage and Administration.)
Oral lorazepam may exacerbate hepatic encephalopathy; therefore, use with caution in patients with severe hepatic insufficiency and/or encephalopathy.283
Renal Impairment
Lorazepam injection is not recommended for use in patients with renal failure; use with caution in patients with mild to moderate renal disease.435 (See Renal Impairment under Dosage and Administration.)
Common Adverse Effects
With oral therapy, sedation, dizziness, weakness, unsteadiness.283
With parenteral therapy for the management of status epilepticus, hypotension, somnolence, respiratory failure; with parenteral therapy for preoperative use, excessive sleepiness, drowsiness.435
With IM injections, local effects (e.g., pain, sensation of burning, redness) observed at the injection site.435
Drug Interactions
Specific Drugs
Drug |
Interaction |
Comments |
---|---|---|
Cimetidine |
No effect on lorazepam pharmacokinetics435 |
No dosage adjustment of lorazepam required435 |
Clozapine |
Marked sedation, excessive salivation, ataxia, hypotension, delirium, respiratory arrest, and, rarely, death reported283 435 |
Use concomitantly with caution435 |
CNS depressants (e.g., barbiturates, sedatives, anticonvulsants, alcohol) |
Use concomitantly with caution283 435 Avoid alcohol use700 |
|
Contraceptives, oral |
Increased clearance of parenteral lorazepam observed435 |
Dosage of parenteral lorazepam may need to be increased 435 |
Disulfiram |
No effect on lorazepam pharmacokinetics435 |
|
Haloperidol |
Apnea, coma, bradycardia, arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, and death reported435 |
Use concomitantly with caution435 |
Loxapine |
Respiratory depression, stupor, and/or hypotension reported rarely435 |
Use concomitantly with caution435 |
Metoprolol |
No effect on lorazepam pharmacokinetics 435 |
No dosage adjustment of lorazepam required435 |
Metronidazole |
No effect on lorazepam pharmacokinetics435 |
No dosage adjustment of lorazepam required435 |
Opiate agonists and partial agonists |
Risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, or death700 701 703 705 706 707 |
Whenever possible, avoid concomitant use708 709 710 711 Opiate analgesics: Use concomitantly only if alternative treatment options are inadequate; use lowest effective dosages and shortest possible duration of concomitant therapy; monitor closely for respiratory depression and sedation700 703 In patients receiving lorazepam, initiate opiate analgesic, if required, at reduced dosage and titrate based on clinical response700 In patients receiving an opiate analgesic, initiate lorazepam, if required for any indication other than epilepsy, at lower dosage than indicated in the absence of opiate therapy and titrate based on clinical response700 Opiate antitussives: Avoid concomitant use700 704 Consider offering naloxone to patients receiving benzodiazepines and opiates concomitantly709 712 |
Probenecid |
Decreased clearance and increased half-life of lorazepam, possibly due to inhibition of glucuronidation283 435 |
|
Propranolol |
No effect on lorazepam pharmacokinetics435 |
No dosage adjustment of lorazepam required435 |
Ranitidine |
No effect on lorazepam pharmacokinetics435 |
No dosage adjustment of lorazepam required435 |
Scopolamine |
Possible increased sedation, hallucinations, and irrational behavior435 |
Use concomitantly with caution435 |
Theophylline |
Possible decreased sedative effects of lorazepam283 |
|
Valproate |
Decreased clearance and increased plasma concentration of lorazepam, possibly due to inhibition of glucuronidation283 |
Reduce lorazepam dosage by 50%283 |
Lorazepam Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Bioavailability
Readily absorbed following oral administration; absolute bioavailability is 90%.283
Completely and rapidly absorbed following IM administration.435
Peak plasma concentrations are attained in approximately 2 hours following oral administration283 and within 3 hours following IM administration.435
Onset
After IV administration, the onset of anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, or sedative action occurs in 1–5 minutes.b
After IM administration, the onset of action is 15–30 minutes.b
Duration
After IV or IM administration, the duration of anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, or sedative action is 12–24 hours.b
Distribution
Extent
Widely distributed into body tissues; crosses the blood-brain barrier.435 b
Crosses the placenta and is distributed into milk.435 b
Plasma Protein Binding
Approximately 85–91%.283 435 b
Elimination
Metabolism
Extensively metabolized in the liver to inactive metabolites.283 435
Elimination Route
Excreted principally in urine as metabolites.283 435
Half-life
Special Populations
In neonates, clearance reduced by 80% compared with healthy adults.435
In geriatric patients or patients with hepatic cirrhosis, clearance not substantially altered.435 b
In patients with renal impairment, clearance of lorazepam glucuronide is reduced, but total clearance of lorazepam is not altered following single IV dose.435
Stability
Storage
Oral
Tablets
Tight containers at 25°C (may be exposed to 15–30°C).283
Oral Concentrate Solution
2–8°C; protect from light.547
Parenteral
Injection
2–8°C; protect from light.435
Actions
-
Effects appear to be mediated through the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA; the site and mechanism of action within the CNS appear to involve a macromolecular complex (GABAA-receptor-chloride ionophore complex) that includes GABAA receptors, high-affinity benzodiazepine receptors, and chloride channels.320 358 359 360 361 362 363 364 365 366 367 368 369 370
Advice to Patients
-
Provide manufacturer's patient information (e.g., medication guide) to the patient each time oral lorazepam preparations (tablets, solution concentrate) are dispensed.283 547
-
Risk of potentially fatal additive effects (e.g., profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma) if used concomitantly with opiates either therapeutically or illicitly.700 703 Avoid concomitant use of opiate antitussives;700 704 also avoid concomitant use of opiate analgesics unless use is supervised by clinician.700 703
-
Potential for drug to impair mental alertness or physical coordination; avoid driving or operating machinery until effects on individual are known.283 435 Following parenteral dose, wait 24–48 hours or until drowsiness subsides before participating in such activities.435
-
Importance of informing patients of the pharmacologic effects of lorazepam (e.g., sedation, relief of anxiety, lack of recall) and the duration of these effects (≥8 hours) so that they may understand the risks and benefits.435
-
Importance of avoiding premature ambulation (within 8 hours of dose) in patients receiving parenteral lorazepam.a 435
-
Importance of informing clinicians of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs.283 435 Importance of avoiding alcohol-containing beverages or products (for at least 24–48 hours after parenteral administration).435 b
-
When procedures requiring general anesthetics or sedation drugs, including lorazepam, are considered for young children or pregnant women, importance of discussing with the patient, parent, or caregiver the benefits, risks (including potential risk of adverse neurodevelopmental effects), and appropriate timing and duration of the procedure.750 753
-
Importance of informing clinicians about any concomitant illnesses (e.g., depression, respiratory disorders).283 435
-
Importance of taking only as prescribed; do not increase dosage or duration of therapy unless otherwise instructed by a clinician.283
-
Importance of not abruptly discontinuing therapy; consult clinician about discontinuing use.283
-
Importance of women informing clinicians if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed.283 435
-
Importance of informing patients of other important precautionary information. 283 435 (See Cautions.)
Additional Information
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided in the accompanying monograph was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. Readers are advised that decisions regarding use of drugs are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and that the information contained in the monograph is provided for informational purposes only. The manufacturer’s labeling should be consulted for more detailed information. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information contained in the monograph is not a substitute for medical care.
Preparations
Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.
Please refer to the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center for information on shortages of one or more of these preparations.
Lorazepam is subject to control under the Federal Controlled Substances Act of 1970 as a schedule IV (C-IV) drug.
* available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name
Routes |
Dosage Forms |
Strengths |
Brand Names |
Manufacturer |
---|---|---|---|---|
Oral |
For solution, concentrate |
2 mg/mL* |
LORazepam Solution Concentrate (C-IV) |
|
Tablets |
0.5 mg* |
Ativan (C-IV) |
Valeant |
|
LORazepam Tablets (C-IV) |
||||
1 mg* |
Ativan (C-IV; scored) |
Valeant |
||
LORazepam Tablets (C-IV) |
||||
2 mg* |
Ativan (C-IV; scored) |
Valeant |
||
LORazepam Tablets (C-IV) |
||||
Parenteral |
Injection |
2 mg/mL* |
Ativan (C-IV) |
West-Ward |
LORazepam Injection (C-IV) |
||||
4 mg/mL* |
Ativan (C-IV) |
West-Ward |
||
LORazepam Injection (C-IV) |
AHFS DI Essentials™. © Copyright 2025, Selected Revisions June 10, 2024. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.
† Off-label: Use is not currently included in the labeling approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
References
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