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Class
Benzodiazepine; sedative; anticonvulsant
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Mechanism of Action
Anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and sedative effects; suppresses propagation of seizure activity production by foci in cortex, thalamus, and limbic areas.
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Indications
Initial control of status epilepticus of severe recurrent seizures, severe anxiety, sedation.
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contraindications
Acute narrow-angle glaucoma. Coma, shock, or suspected drug abuse.
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Adverse reactions
Respiratory depression, apnea, drowsiness, sedation, ataxia, psychomotor impairment, confusion, restlessness, delirium, hypotension, bradycardia
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Drug interactions
May precipitate CNS depression if Pt. is already taking CNS depressant medications.
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How supplied
2 and 4 mg/mL concentrations in 1mL vials
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Dosage and Administration
Note: when given IV or IO, must dilute with equal volume of sterile water or sterile saline; when given IM, lorazepam is not to be diluted.
Adult: 2-4 mg slow IV at 2 mg/min of IM; may repeat in 15-20 minutes to maximum dose of 8 mg. For sedation: 0.05 mg/kg up to 4 mg IM
Pediatric: 0.05-0.20 mg/kg slow IV, IO slowly over 2 minutes or IM; may repeat in 15-20 minutes to maximum dose of 0.2 mg/kg
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Duration of Action
- Onset: 1-5 minutes
- Peak: variable
- duration: 6-8 hours
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Special considerations
Pregnancy saftey: Catergory D. Monitor BP and respiratory rate during administration. Have advanced airway equipment readily available. Inadvertent arterial injection may result in vasospasm and gangrene. Lorazepam expires in 6 weeks if not refrigerated.
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