Lorazepam (Antianxiety Agent)

Question 1

What is the brand name of lorazepam?

Answer 1

Ativan

Question 2

What strength Ativan tablets is available?

Answer 2

0.5 mg, 1 mg coming to milligram

Question 3

What strength lorazepam injection is available?

Answer 3

2mg/mL, 4mg/mL

Question 4

What strength lorazepam solution is available?

Answer 4

2mg/mL (Intensol)

Question 5

What are the FDA approved indications for lorazepam?

Answer 5

• Management of anxiety disorders
• Insomnia due to stress
• Pre-anesthetic medication
• Sedation and relief of anxiety
• For the treatment of status epilepticus

Question 6

What dose of Ativan is used for the treatment of anxiety disorders?

Answer 6

2-6mg/day in divided doses, although daily dose is may vary from 1 to 10 mg. The largest I should be given a bedtime.

Question 7

What dose of lorazepam is used for the treatment of insomnia due to anxiety or transient situational stress?

Answer 7

2-4mg at bedtime

Question 8

What dose of lorazepam is used for preanesthetic medication?

Answer 8

0.05 mg/kg up to 4 mg intramuscular early, two hours prior to operative procedure

Question 9

What dose of lorazepam is used for sedation and relief of anxiety?

Answer 9

0.044 mg/kg up to 2mg intravenously, which ever is smaller. In those patients in which a greater likelihood of lack of recall for preoperative events would be beneficial, large doses as high as 0.05 mg/kg up to a total of 4 mg may be administered. Prior to intravenous use, dilute Ativan injection with an equal volume of a compatible solution.

Question 10

There’s a lorazepam is used for the treatment of status epilepticus?

Answer 10

4 mg given by slow (2mg/min) intravenous infusion. If the seizures persist after 10 to 15 minutes, second 4 mg dose may be given.

Question 11

What is the mechanism of action of Ativan?

Answer 11

Benzodiazepines facilitate the inhibitory neurotransmitter action of gamma aminobutyric acid (GAPA), which mediates both pre- and post-synaptic inhibition in all regions of the CNS.

Question 12

Where are the drug interactions of lorazepam?

Answer 12

Depression is increased when used with other CNS depressants. Probenecid or Velcro decreasing secretion of lorazepam by 50%

Question 13

What are the contraindications of Ativan?

Answer 13

• Patients hypersensitive to benzodiazepines or in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma.
• Concomitant use with opioids increases the risk of respiratory depression, coma, and death.
• Use with caution in patients with primary depression, psychosis, impaired renal hepatic function, and pregnancy.
• Pregnancy Category D

Question 14

What are the adverse effects of lorazepam?

Answer 14

Drowsiness, Dizziness, unsteadiness, and weakness.

Question 15

What should the pharmacist tell the patient and counseling them on the use of Ativan?

Answer 15

• May cause drowsiness. Use caution when operating machinery or when mental alertness is required.
• Avoid alcohol while taking this medication.
• Warning: this medication may be habit-forming.
• If a dose is missed, skip it and return to normal dosing schedule.