Ativan

What is it?

An anxiolytic benzodiazepine, lorazepam, which is for short-term use only as it carries a risk of dependency. ATIVAN INJECTION contains 4mg lorazepam per ml in ampoules.

Medical Uses

Anxiety, status epilepticus (a condition where a person with epilepsy suffers a series of fits in close succession and is deprived of oxygen), a sedative premedication prior to full anaesthesia.

Dosage

Tablets, adults, for anxiety, 0.025 to 0.03mg per kg of body weight by means of intramuscular or intravenous injection. Not for children. For status epilepticus, adults, 4mg by intravenous injection, children half the adult dose. For premedication, adults, 0.05mg per kg of body weight intravenously about 30-45 minutes before operation. Not for children.

Special Care

Elderly, liver or kidney disorders, acute narrow angle glaucoma, lung disease. Short-term use only, withdraw gradually. Patients should be warned that dexterity and judgement may be adversely affected. Should not be used as sole treatment for depression.

Avoid Use

Pregnancy, labour, breast- feeding, acute lung diseases, depression of breathing, those with chronic psychoses, obsessional states and phobias.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Cns depressant drugs, alcohol, anticonvulsants, narcotic painkillers, scopolamine, rifampicin, drugs that inhibit cytochrome P450, cimetidine.

Known Side Effects

Light-headedness, drowsiness, vertigo, confusion, muscular weakness, impaired ability, unsteadiness in walking, gastro-intestinal upset, disturbance of vision, rash, retention of urine, changes in libido, low blood pressure. Rarely, blood changes and jaundice. Risk of dependence especially with high doses.