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Lorazepam (Ativan)

Clinical Uses

  • Reduce anxiety prior to surgery; may reduce amount of inhalational agent required.

  • Anxiolytic

  • Amnestic

  • May be used for termination of status epilepticus (unlabeled)

  • Reduce anxiety prior to endoscopy and cardioversion

 

 

 

Contraindications

  •  Sensitivity to benzodiazepines

  • Coma, acute alcohol intoxication,

  •  By tabet: children less than 12 years (PO)

  •  Acute narrow angle glaucoma, untreated open angle glaucoma

  •  Safe use in pregnancy not established (Category D)

 

 Cautious Use (partial listing)

  • Impaired renal or hepatic function

  • Mental depression

  • Organic brain syndrome

  • SSuicidal tendencies

  • Drug abuse

  • Addiction prone patients,

  • Elderly or in patients with marginal pulmonary reserve
 

 

 Side Effects (Partial listing)

  •  CNS: drowsiness,sedation, fatigue, amnesia

  •  CV: hypotension or hypertension

  •  GI: dry mouth, nausea, constipation

  •  Eye: Blurred vision

Shannon, M.T., Wilson, B.A., Stang, C. L. In, Govoni and Hayes 8th Edition: Drugs and Nursing Implications Appleton & Lange, 1995, p 695
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