Lorazepam Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the BRAND name of this drug?

Ativan

What is the drug CLASS of Lorazepam?

Benzodiazepine, short/intermediate acting; sedative, anticonvulsant, schedule IV drug.

What is/are the proper ADULT dose/route(s) of Lorazepam?

2-4 mg slow IM/IV at 2 mg/min; may be repeated in 15-20 minutes. Maximum dose of 8 mg. Sedation: 0.05 mg/kg up to 4 mg IM. When given IV must dilute with an equal amount of sterile water or saline.

What is/are the proper PEDIATRIC dose/route(s) of Lorazepam?

0.05-0.20 mg/kg slow IV/IO/IM over 2 minutes. May be repeated once in 5-20 minutes. Maximum dose of 0.2 mg/kg. When given IV must dilute with an equal amount of sterile water or saline. Signup and view all the answers

How does Lorazepam work on the body? (I.E.- Mechanism of Action)?

Anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and sedative effect; suppresses propagation of seizure activity produced by foci in cortex, thalamus, and limbic areas. Signup and view all the answers

What are the INDICATIONS for administering Lorazepam?

Initial control of status epilepticus or severe recurrent seizures, severe anxiety, sedation. Signup and view all the answers

What are the CONTRAINDICATIONS for administering Lorazepam?

Acute narrow-angle glaucoma, coma, shock, suspected drug abuse. Signup and view all the answers

What are the potential SIDE EFFECTS/ADVERSE REACTIONS of Lorazepam?

Dizziness, drowsiness, CNS depression, headache, sedation, respiratory depression, apnea, hypotension, bradycardia. Signup and view all the answers

When would SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS be taken?

Pregnancy safety: Category D. Monitor respiratory rate and blood pressure during administration. Have advanced airway equipment readily available. Inadvertent arterial injection may result in vasospasm and gangrene. Lorazepam expires in 6 weeks when not refrigerated. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lorazepam Overview

Brand name: Ativan
Drug class: Benzodiazepine, short/intermediate acting; sedative, anticonvulsant; categorized as a Schedule IV drug.

Dosing Information

Adult Dosage:
- Administer 2-4 mg slow IM/IV at a rate of 2 mg/min; may repeat after 15-20 minutes.
- Maximum total dosage is 8 mg.
- For sedation, use 0.05 mg/kg (up to 4 mg) IM.
- IV administration requires dilution with an equal volume of sterile water or saline.
Pediatric Dosage:
- Administer 0.05-0.20 mg/kg slow IV/IO/IM over 2 minutes; may repeat once in 5-20 minutes.
- Maximum dose for pediatric patients is 0.2 mg/kg.
- Similar to adults, IV must be diluted with sterile water or saline.

Mechanism of Action

Provides anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and sedative effects.
Suppresses seizure activity spread from foci in the cortex, thalamus, and limbic system.

Indications for Use

Effective for the initial control of status epilepticus or severe recurrent seizures.
Used in cases of severe anxiety and for sedation purposes.

Contraindications

Not prescribed for patients with acute narrow-angle glaucoma, coma, shock, or suspected drug abuse.

Side Effects and Adverse Reactions

Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, and CNS depression.
Other potential effects: headache, sedation, respiratory depression, apnea, hypotension, and bradycardia.

Special Considerations

Pregnancy category: D, indicating potential risks.
Continuous monitoring of respiratory rate and blood pressure is essential during administration.
Have advanced airway equipment on standby due to risk of respiratory complications.
Inadvertent arterial injection can lead to serious complications such as vasospasm and gangrene.
Lorazepam has a shelf life of 6 weeks if not refrigerated.

Description

This quiz provides essential flashcards for understanding Lorazepam, including its brand name, drug class, and proper dosing. Ideal for healthcare professionals and students alike, it captures key pharmacological information succinctly. Test your knowledge on this important medication.