Prototype Drug Unit 1 & 2 Exam- Lorazepam (Ativan) (Any of the PAM drugs) Flashcards
What is the therapeutic classification of Lorazepam?
Antianxiety drug, sedative-hypnotic antiseizure drug
What is the pharmacologic classification of Lorazepam?
Benzodiazepine, GABA receptor agonist
What are the therapeutic effects and uses?
Administered as oral tablets, concentrated oral solution, or by the intramuscular (IM) or Intravenous (IV) routes. Used for management of GAD and to reduce anxiety prior to surgical or medical procedures. Also used for insomnia, seizures, and the prevention or control of acute symptoms associated with ethanol withdrawal.
What is the mechanism of action for Lorazepam?
Lorazepam potentiates the actions of GABA, the inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS. It is capable of causing all levels of CNS depression, from simple relaxation, to the induction of sleep, to coma.
What is the route of Lorazepam?
PO, IM, IV
How is it absorbed?
readily absorbed
How is it distributed?
91% bound to plasma proteins; widely distributed, including crossing the placenta; secreted in breast milk
How is it primarily metabolized?
The liver (Hepatically)
How is it excreted?
Renal
What are the adverse effects?
dizziness, ataxia, drowsiness, blurred vision, vertigo, sedation, and confusion, are CNS related.
What are the contraindications/precautions?
Can cause fetal malformations; thus this durg is contraindicated during pregnancy. It is also contraindicated during lactating. Do not give to people with hypersensitivity, narrow angle gaucoma, psychosis, or COPD. Precautions should be taken with older people who have hepatic or renal dysfunction. It is a schedule 4 drug that can cause physical and psychological dependence.
