Lorazepam 4mg/ml Inj 10ml
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
If you need to store this medication at home, consult with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to determine the proper storage procedure.
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor immediately to receive guidance on the next steps to take.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Avoid alcohol and other sedating medications (e.g., opioids, sleeping pills) unless specifically instructed by your doctor, as this can dangerously increase drowsiness and breathing problems.
- Do not drive or operate heavy machinery after receiving lorazepam, as it can impair your ability to perform these tasks safely.
- Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and recreational drugs.
- If you are receiving this medication regularly, do not stop it suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
BLACK BOX WARNING
Side Effects
Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
New or worsening behavioral or mood changes, including:
+ Depression
+ Thoughts of suicide
Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)
Changes in balance
Feeling confused
Feeling nervous and excitable
Restlessness
Trouble sleeping
Increased interest in sex
Memory problems or loss
Severe dizziness or fainting
Changes in eyesight
Muscle weakness
Dark urine or yellow skin and eyes
This medication may also cause severe and potentially life-threatening breathing problems. If you experience slow, shallow, or difficult breathing, contact your doctor immediately.
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor or seek medical attention:
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Fatigue
Weakness
Headache
Irritation at the injection site
This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Extreme drowsiness or difficulty waking up
- Very slow or shallow breathing
- Bluish lips or skin
- Severe dizziness or lightheadedness
- Confusion or disorientation
- Unusual weakness
- Signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., rash, hives, swelling of face/lips/tongue, difficulty breathing)
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
Certain health conditions, including:
+ Glaucoma
+ Depression or specific mental health issues
+ Sleep apnea or breathing difficulties
+ Kidney disease or liver disease
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your health problems with your doctor.
Additionally, provide your doctor and pharmacist with a comprehensive list of all the medications you are taking, including:
Prescription medications
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications
Natural products
Vitamins
It is vital to verify that it is safe to take this medication with all your existing medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
When taking this medication, it is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are using this drug.
Post-Administration Precautions
Avoid operating a vehicle or engaging in activities that require alertness for 1 to 2 full days after receiving this medication, or until its effects have worn off.
For at least 8 hours after administration, do not attempt to get out of bed without assistance, as you may be at risk of falling and injuring yourself.
Refrain from consuming alcohol for 1 to 2 full days after receiving this medication.
Special Considerations
Some products contain benzyl alcohol, which can cause serious side effects in newborns and infants. If possible, avoid using products with benzyl alcohol in these age groups, especially when combined with other medications containing benzyl alcohol. Consult your doctor to determine if this product contains benzyl alcohol.
Before using marijuana, cannabis, or prescription or over-the-counter medications that may impair your actions, discuss the potential risks with your doctor.
Long-Term Use and Monitoring
If you are taking this medication for an extended period, your doctor may recommend regular blood tests to monitor your condition.
Do not exceed the prescribed duration of treatment or take this medication for longer than recommended by your doctor.
Prolonged use or high doses may lead to tolerance, reducing the medication's effectiveness. If you experience decreased efficacy, contact your doctor. Do not increase your dose without medical supervision.
Age-Related Considerations
If you are 65 or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to side effects.
When administering this medication to children, exercise caution, as the risk of certain side effects may be higher in this age group.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
This medication may harm the unborn baby if taken during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or are already pregnant, notify your doctor immediately.
Using this medication late in pregnancy may increase the risk of breathing or feeding problems, low body temperature, or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. Discuss the potential risks with your doctor.
If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, inform your doctor, as this medication can pass into breast milk and potentially harm your baby.
Procedure-Related Risks
Studies have shown that frequent or long-term use of anesthesia or sleep medications in children under 3 years old may lead to long-term brain problems. This risk may also apply to unborn babies if the mother uses this medication during the third trimester of pregnancy. Consult your doctor to discuss the potential risks and benefits.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Profound sedation
- Somnolence
- Confusion
- Impaired coordination (ataxia)
- Diminished reflexes
- Hypotension
- Respiratory depression
- Coma
- Death
What to Do:
Seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Management is primarily supportive, including maintaining a patent airway, assisting ventilation, and monitoring vital signs. Flumazenil, a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist, may be used to reverse the effects but carries risks, especially in patients with chronic benzodiazepine use or seizure disorders.
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
- Opioids (e.g., fentanyl, oxycodone, morphine): Increased risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.
- Other CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, barbiturates, other benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants, antihistamines, general anesthetics): Additive CNS depressant effects.
- Valproate: May increase lorazepam plasma concentrations and enhance its effects due to inhibition of glucuronidation.
- Probenecid: May increase lorazepam plasma concentrations and prolong its half-life due to inhibition of glucuronidation.
Moderate Interactions
- Clozapine: Increased risk of sedation, hypotension, and respiratory depression.
- Scopolamine: Increased incidence of sedation, hallucinations, and disoriention.
- Theophylline/Aminophylline: May antagonize the sedative effects of lorazepam.
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To establish baseline physiological status and identify pre-existing abnormalities.
Timing: Prior to administration
Rationale: To assess baseline neurological status and guide initial dosing.
Timing: Prior to administration
Rationale: To assess baseline respiratory function, especially important due to risk of respiratory depression.
Timing: Prior to administration
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Every 5-15 minutes during acute administration (e.g., status epilepticus), then every 1-4 hours or as clinically indicated.
Target: Within patient's normal range; SpO2 >92%
Action Threshold: Significant drop in BP, HR <50 bpm, RR <10 bpm, SpO2 <90%
Frequency: Every 15-30 minutes during acute administration, then every 1-4 hours or as clinically indicated.
Target: Desired level of sedation (e.g., RASS -2 to 0, Ramsay 2-3)
Action Threshold: Excessive sedation (e.g., RASS -4 to -5, Ramsay 4-6) or paradoxical excitation.
Frequency: Continuous monitoring during acute administration, then every 1-4 hours or as clinically indicated.
Target: Normal respiratory rate and effort
Action Threshold: Bradypnea, hypoventilation, apnea, or signs of respiratory distress.
Symptom Monitoring
- Excessive sedation
- Respiratory depression (slow, shallow breathing)
- Hypotension
- Bradycardia
- Paradoxical excitation (agitation, aggression)
- Ataxia, dizziness
- Slurred speech
- Signs of allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Lorazepam is classified as Pregnancy Category D, indicating positive evidence of human fetal risk. It should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Lorazepam is excreted into breast milk. The American Academy of Pediatrics considers it to be a drug for which the effect on the nursing infant is unknown but may be of concern. Lactation risk is L3 (Moderately Safe).
Pediatric Use
Use in pediatric patients, especially neonates and infants, requires extreme caution due to increased sensitivity to CNS depressant effects and potential for respiratory depression. Dosing must be carefully calculated based on weight. Prolonged use can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation.
Geriatric Use
Elderly patients are more sensitive to the sedative and CNS depressant effects of lorazepam, including increased risk of falls, cognitive impairment, and respiratory depression. Lower initial doses (e.g., 50% of adult dose) and slower titration are recommended. Monitor closely for adverse effects.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- For IV administration, lorazepam injection must be diluted with an equal volume of compatible diluent (e.g., Sterile Water for Injection, Normal Saline, D5W) immediately prior to use. Do not dilute with other solutions.
- Administer IV lorazepam slowly (no faster than 2 mg/minute) to minimize the risk of respiratory depression, hypotension, and apnea.
- Rapid IV injection can cause apnea, hypotension, bradycardia, or cardiac arrest.
- IM administration should be deep into a large muscle mass.
- Lorazepam injection contains polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol as excipients. High doses or prolonged infusions, especially in patients with renal impairment, can lead to propylene glycol toxicity (e.g., metabolic acidosis, renal dysfunction, CNS toxicity).
- Always have resuscitation equipment (e.g., oxygen, bag-valve-mask, intubation supplies) and flumazenil readily available when administering IV lorazepam.
- Tolerance and physical dependence can develop with prolonged use. Tapering is essential upon discontinuation to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Alternative Therapies
- Diazepam (for status epilepticus, anxiety, sedation)
- Midazolam (for sedation, status epilepticus)
- Phenobarbital (for status epilepticus, refractory seizures)
- Fosphenytoin/Phenytoin (for status epilepticus)
- Propofol (for sedation in ICU)
- Dexmedetomidine (for sedation in ICU)
- Buspirone (for anxiety, non-benzodiazepine)
Cost & Coverage
General Drug Facts
This medication is accompanied by a Medication Guide, which is a comprehensive patient fact sheet. It is crucial to read this guide carefully and review it again each time your prescription is refilled. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, discuss them with your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately contact your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. Be prepared to provide information about the medication taken, the quantity, and the time of ingestion.