Indications |
Oral Short-term management of anxiety Adult: 0.25-0.5 mg tid, increased to 3-4 mg daily if necessary. Elderly: Initially, 0.25 mg bid/tid. Hepatic impairment: Avoid in severe impairment. Oral Panic attacks Adult: Up to 10 mg daily. Special Populations: Initial dose for short-term management of anxiety disorders in debilitated patients and those with advanced liver disease is 0.25 mg bid/tid. |
Contraindications |
Acute narrow-angle glaucoma, preexisting CNS depression or coma, resp depression, acute pulmonary insufficiency or sleep apnoea; severe hepatic impairment; pregnancy, lactation. |
Warnings / Precautions |
Dosage reduction or gradual withdrawal. Dependence. Geriatric or debilitated patients. Muscle weakness, impaired hepatic or renal function; arteriosclerosis; obesity; depression particularly suicidal tendency; chronic pulmonary insufficiency. May impair ability to drive or operate machinery. Children <18 yr. |
Adverse Reactions |
Psychological and physical dependence, withdrawal syndrome; drowsiness, sedation, vertigo, headache, visual disturbances, GI disturbances, jaundice; fatigue, muscle weakness, ataxia, dizziness, confusion and depression. Potentially Fatal: Blood dyscrasias. |
Overdose Reactions |
Symptoms: Somnolence, confusion, impaired coordination, diminished reflexes and coma. Monitor respiration, pulse rate and BP. General supportive measures and immediate gastric lavage may be recommended. If hypotension occurs, it may be combated by the use of vasopressors. Dialysis is of limited value. Flumazenil may be used for complete or partial reversal of the sedative effects of benzodiazepines and may be used when an overdose with a benzodiazepine is known or suspected. |
Drug Interactions |
Potentiates action of alcohol and CNS depressants. Reduced conc with cigarette smoking by 50%. Potentially Fatal: Cimetidine and fluoxetine reduce the clearance of alprazolam. Alprazolam enhances activity of imipramine and desipramine. See Below for More alprazolam Drug Interactions |
Mechanism of Actions |
Alprazolam has anxiolytic, muscle-relaxant, anticonvulsant, antidepressant and sleep-modifying effects. It binds to the γ aminobutyric acid (GABA)-specific sites throughout the CNS, leading to an increase in the inhibitory effect of GABA on neuronal excitability. Increased neuronal permeability to chloride ions thus results in hyperpolarisation and stabilisation. Absorption: Well absorbed from the GIT (oral); peak plasma concentrations after 1-2 hrs. Distribution: Protein-binding: 70-80% Metabolism: Hepatic; converted to α-hydroxyalprazolam and benzophenone. Excretion: Urine (as unchanged drug and metabolites); 11-15 hrs (elimination half-life). |
Administration |
May be taken with or without food. (Side effects eg sleepiness/drowsiness may be reduced if taken immediately after meals.) |
Storage Conditions |
Oral: Store below 25°C. |
ATC Classification |
N05BA12 - alprazolam ; Belongs to the class of benzodiazepine derivatives anxiolytics. Used in the management of anxiety, agitation or tension. |
Storage |
Oral: Store below 25°C. |
Available As |
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Alprazolam
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Alprazolam Containing Brands
Alprazolam is used in following diseases
Drug - Drug Interactions of Alprazolam
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