Lorazepam/Ativan

Question 1

What is another name for Ativan?

Answer 1

Lorazepam

Question 2

What is another name for Lorazepam?

Answer 2

Ativan

Question 3

What kind of drug is Lorazepam?

Answer 3

Benzodiazepine

Antianxiety and anticonvulsant

Question 4

What is the onset of Ativan?

Answer 4

5 min (IV)

Question 5

What is the duration of Lorazepam?

Answer 5

6-8 hours

Question 6

What are indications for Ativan?

Answer 6

• agitation requiring sedation

- initial control of status epilepticus or revere recurrent seizures

Question 7

What are contraindications for Lorazepam?

Answer 7

• hypersensitivity
• substance abuse (relative)
• coma (unless seizing)
• severe hypotension
• shock
• preexisting CNS depression

Question 8

What are adverse reactions of Ativan?

Answer 8

• respiratory depression
• tachycardia/bradycardia
• hypotension
• sedation
• ataxia
• psychomotor impairment
• confusion
• blurred vision

Question 9

What are some drug interactions with Lorazepam?

Answer 9

it may precipitate CNS depression and psychomotor impairment when the patient is taking CNS depressant medications

Question 10

How is Ativan supplied?

Answer 10

2 and 4 mg/mL concentrations in 1mL vials

Question 11

What is the dosage and administration of Lorazepam?

Answer 11

Before IV admin:
must be diluted with equal amounts of sterile water or saline
When given IM:
do not dilute

Dose:
1-4mg slow IM/IV over 2-10 min; may be repeated in 15-20min to max dose of 8mg

Question 12

What are some special considerations for Ativan?

Answer 12

• pregnancy safety category C
• monitor respiratory rate and BP during administration
• have suction/intubation equipment available
• inadvertent intraarterial injection may produce arterospasm, resulting in gangrene
• Lorazepam expires in 6 weeks when not refrigerated; no not use if discolored or if it contains precipitate