Lorazepam

Question 1

What is the trade name for lorazepam?

Answer 1

Ativan

Question 2

What is the drug classification for lorazepam (Ativan)?

Answer 2

It’s a benzodiazepine

Question 3

How is lorazepam (Ativan) supplied?

Answer 3

• 2 mg/mL, or 4mg/ml (ampules)

- 0.5 mg/ 1 mg/ 2 mg (tablets)

Question 4

Described the MOA (pharmacodynamics) of lorazepam (Ativan).

Answer 4

• Anxiolytic and sedative-hypnotic: Depresses the CNS producing an anti-anxiety affect by potentiating the effect of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) – an inhibitory neurotransmitter.
• Anticonvulsant: Suppresses the spread of seizure activity due to enhanced pre-synaptic inhibition causing muscle relaxation.

Question 5

What are the indications for lorazepam (Ativan)?

Answer 5

• Anxiety (General Anxiety, ACS, Pain)
• Alcohol withdrawal
• Seizure

Question 6

What lorazepam dosing is used to treat anxiety?

Answer 6

Adult/Pediatric - 1 to 2mg IV/SL in 2 to 3 divided doses; daily dose may vary from 1 to 10 mg/day

Question 7

What dose of lorazepam (Ativan) is used to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms?

Answer 7

1 mg SL q 5 min prn to a total maximum of 4 mg

Question 8

What dose of larazepam (Ativan) is used to treat seizures?

Answer 8

Adult: 4 mg SIVP (2 mg/min) q 15 min. prn; drug may be given IM if IV not established

Pediatric: 0.05 to 0.1mg/kg (max 2mg)

Question 9

What are the contraindications for lorazepam (Ativan)?

Answer 9

• Hypersensitivity to drug

- Narrow angle glaucoma

Question 10

What are some precautions to consider for lorazepam (Ativan) usage?

Answer 10

• Alcohol and CNS depressants may increase CNS depressant effect.
• Use cautiously in elderly or debilitated patients or those patients with impaired renal or hepatic function.

Question 11

How should parenteral lorazepam (Ativan) be stored?

Answer 11

The parenteral form must be refrigerated.

Question 12

How should lorazepam (Ativan) be diluted when given IV?

Answer 12

Dilute with an equal volume of NS when giving IV.