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Other brands with the same active ingredient
These brands contain the same active ingredient (Lorazepam). Strength and form may differ — confirm substitution with your doctor or pharmacist before switching.
Indications & Uses
Lorazepam is indicated for:
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Lorazepam is taken by mouth. For best results, the dose, how often it is taken, and how long treatment continues should be tailored to each patient's response. The usual range is 2 to 6 mg a day in divided doses, with the largest dose taken at bedtime, though the largest single dose may range from 1 to 10 mg a day. For anxiety, most patients need an initial dose of 2 to 3 mg a day, taken twice or three times daily. For elderly or frail patients, an initial dose of 1 to 2 mg a day in divided doses is recommended, adjusted as needed and tolerated. For insomnia, 1 to 2 mg is taken before bedtime; as a premedicant, 1 to 2 mg is given the night before surgery and again 1 to 2 hours before surgery. Lorazepam injection can be given intravenously or intramuscularly. For premedication in adults: 0.05 mg/kg (3.5 mg for an average 70 kg person), given by IV 30 to 45 minutes before the procedure, or by IM 60 to 90 minutes before. For acute anxiety in adults: 0.025 to 0.03 mg/kg (1.75 to 2.1 mg for an average 70 kg person), repeated every 6 hours. For status epilepticus in adults: 4 mg intravenously; in children: 2 mg intravenously. For intramuscular use, undiluted lorazepam injection should be given. For intravenous use, it must be diluted with an equal volume of a compatible solution, such as sterile water for injection, sodium chloride injection, or 5% dextrose injection. The rate of injection should not exceed 2 mg per minute.
Side Effects
Adverse effects with Lorapam tend to show up early in treatment and usually ease off as the body adjusts or once the dose is reduced. The most common issue is sedation, along with dizziness, weakness and unsteadiness on the feet. Less often, patients notice disorientation, low mood, nausea, changes in appetite, headache, disturbed sleep, or agitation. Skin reactions and vision-related disturbances can also occur, as can a range of gastrointestinal complaints and other autonomic effects.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Cautions & Precautions In patients whose depression occurs alongside anxiety, the possibility of suicide should be kept in mind. Elderly or debilitated patients should start with no more than 2 mg a day, as higher doses can lead to over-sedation. The usual precautions taken when treating patients with impaired kidney or liver function, or with acute or chronic lung insufficiency, should be followed. Lorapam should be used with caution over extended periods in patients with gastric conditions, and such patients should be monitored regularly for signs of upper gastrointestinal disease. Patients should avoid operating machinery while taking Lorapam.
Contraindications
Lorazepam should not be used in patients who have shown previous sensitivity to benzodiazepines, nor in those with acute narrow-angle glaucoma or myasthenia gravis.