LORAZEPAM (Ativan®)

Question 1

Generic/Trade Name

LORAZEPAM

Answer 1

Ativan®

Question 2

Generic/Trade Name

Ativan®

Answer 2

LORAZEPAM

Question 3

LORAZEPAM (Ativan®)

Drug Classification

Answer 3

• Anticonvulsant
• Sedative
• Hypnotic
• Benzodiazepine

Question 4

LORAZEPAM (Ativan®)

Mechanism of Action:

Answer 4

• Positive allosteric modulator for GABAA receptors ⇒Binds to benzo receptor site
  on chloride channels and potentiates binding and effects of GABA (increases
  intracellular Cl- concentration leading to hyperpolarization of the cell)

Question 5

LORAZEPAM (Ativan®)

Onset of Action

Answer 5

• 1-5 minutes IV
• 15-30 minutes IM

Question 6

LORAZEPAM (Ativan®)

Peak Effects

Answer 6

• 15-20 minutes IV
• 2 hours IM

Question 7

LORAZEPAM (Ativan®)

Duration of Effect

Answer 7

• 6-8 hours

Question 8

LORAZEPAM (Ativan®)

Half-Life

Answer 8

• 10-20 hours

Question 9

LORAZEPAM (Ativan®)

Indications/Field Use:

Answer 9

• Major motor seizures
• Pre-medication for cardioversion
• Acute anxiety

Question 10

LORAZEPAM (Ativan®)

Contraindications:

Answer 10

• Hx Hypersensitivity

Question 11

LORAZEPAM (Ativan®)

Side Effects/Adverse Reactions:

Answer 11

• Hypotension
• drowsiness
• HA
• amnesia
• respiratory depression
• blurred vision
• N+V

Question 12

LORAZEPAM (Ativan®)

ADULT Dose:

Answer 12

• 0.5-2mg (0.1mg/kg) IV, IO
• 1-4mg IM

Question 13

LORAZEPAM (Ativan®)

PEDI Dose:

Answer 13

• 0.05mg/kg IV, IO

Question 14

LORAZEPAM (Ativan®)

Precautions:

Answer 14

• Have benzo antagonist available

Question 15

LORAZEPAM (Ativan®)

Drug-Drug Interactions:

Answer 15

• Additive effects with CNS depressants and alcohol