What is Lorazepam - Meaning and definition

Published by Roberto Wenk. Last updated date: February 17, 2016.

A benzodiazepine with anxiolytic, anti-anxiety, anticonvulsant, anti-emetic and sedative properties.
Lorazepam enhances the effect of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid on the GABA receptors by binding to a site that is distinct from the GABA binding site in the central nervous system. This leads to an increase in chloride channel opening events, a facilitation of chloride ion conductance, membrane hyperpolarization, and eventually inhibition of the transmission of nerve signals, thereby decreasing nervous excitation.

National Cancer Institute. NCI Drug Dictionary. Internet. September 15, 2009.

Published by Roberto Wenk. Reviewed by Alison Ramsey. Last updated date: January 8, 2019.

Adult
PO
Anxiety: 1-4 mg/day in divided doses.
Insomnia associated with anxiety: 1-2 mg at bedtime.
Premed in surgery: 2-3 mg the night before operation, then 2-4 mg 1-2 hr pre-op.

IV/IM
Acute anxiety: 25-30 mcg/kg 6 hrly if needed.
Premed in surgery: 50 mcg/kg given pre-op over 30-45 min (IV) or 60-90 min (IM).

IV
Status epilepticus: 4 mg as a single dose, repeat once after 10-15 min if needed.

Adverse drug reactions: sedation, drowsiness, ataxia, dizziness, confusion, depression, unmasking of depression, hypotension, fatigue, muscle weakness, asthenia, transient anterograde amnesia or memory impairment, changes in vital signs.

Adapted from CIMS Drug Information System. Internet. Accessed on January 10, 2016.

Lorazepam

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