lorazepam.txt

Ativan

• Benzodiazepine
• Sedative-Hypnotic
• Anticonvulsant

• Anxiolytic
• Anticonvulsant and sedative effects
• Suppresses propagation of seizure activity produced by foci in cortex, thalamus and limbic areas

• Management of seizures
• Adjunct to cardioversion & pacing (sedation)

• Acute narrow-angle glaucoma.
• Coma
• Shock
• Suspected drug abuse

• Respiratory depression
• Apnea
• Drowsiness
• Sedation
• Ataxia
• Psychomotor impairment
• Confusion
• Restlessness
• Delirium
• Hypotension
• Bradycardia

May precipitate CNS depression if patient is already taking CNS depressant medications

2 and 4 mg / ml concentrations in 1 ml vials

2-4 mg slow IV/IO at 2 mg/min. or IM; may repeat in 15-20 minutes to maximum dose of 8 mg

Note: When given IV or IO, must dilute with equalvolume of sterile water or sterile salineWhen given IM, Lorazepam is not to be diluted

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

Note: When given IV or IO, must dilute with equalvolume of sterile water or sterile salineWhen given IM, Lorazepam is not to be diluted

• Onset of action: 1-5 minutes
• Peak effect: variable
• Duration of action: 6-8 hours

• Pregnancy safety: Category 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