Alprazolam

Tranquilizer, Sedative/Hypnotic · Benzodiazepine

Indications

Short-term treatment of anxiety and anxiety accompanying depression.

Dosage

Adults: Anxiety: Initial: 0.25-0.5 mg three times daily. Titrate: May increase every 3-4 days. Max: 4 mg/day. Panic Disorder: Initial: 0.5-1 mg daily, preferably in the morning. Titrate: Increase by 1 mg/day every 3-4 days. Maintenance: 1-10 mg/day. Usual: 3-6 mg/day. Children: Not recommended.

Adverse Effects

Insomnia, restlessness, headache, dizziness, akathisia, somnolence, tremor, blurred vision, GI upset, asthaenia. Stroke, TIA in elderly demented patients.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Precautions: Severe hepatic impairment. Elderly with dementia. Tardive dyskinesia; reduce dose or discontinue. Signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome; discontinue. History of seizures. Diabetes; monitor patients for signs of hyperglycaemia.

Interactions

Potent inhibitors of CYP3A4 or 2D6. Potent inducers of CYP3A4. Alpha blockers, alcohol, CNS drugs.

Advice to Patient

Take with or without meals. To reduce sleepiness or drowsiness, take immediately after meals. Do not chew or crush extended release tablet, swallow whole. Contact prescriber if there is acute headache, confusion, excitation, increased sleepiness, depression, mental agitation, lack of sleepiness, fatigue, nightmares, dizziness, personality changes, change in memory, muscle cramps, weakness, tremors, rigidity, changes in urinary pattern, change in vision, ringing in ears, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, constipation, vomiting, fast heartbeat, chest pain, palpitations, increased sweating or if there is worsening of condition. Do not take any new medication especially antihistamines, pain medications, sedatives or hypnotics without consulting prescriber. Do not stop taking medication abruptly, gradually lower the dose and then stop. Avoid alcohol during therapy. Take sufficient amount…

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Readily absorbed; Extended release: Slower relative to immediate release formulation resulting in a concentration that is maintained 5-11 hrs after dosing; rate increased following night time dosing (versus morning dosing). Metabolism: Hepatic. Bioavailability: Immediate release: 84%-92%; Extended release: 90%. Half-life elimination: Adults: 11.2 hrs (Immediate release range: 6.3-26.9 hrs; Extended release range: 10.7-15.8 hrs); Orally-disintegrating tab: Mean: 12.5 hrs (range: 7.9-19.2 hrs). Alcoholic liver disease: 19.7 hrs (range: 5.8-65.3 hrs). Obesity: 21.8 hrs (range: 9.9-40.4 hrs). Elderly: 16.3 hrs (range: 9-26.9 hrs). Time to peak, serum: Immediate release: 1-2 hrs. Extended release: Adolescents and Adults: Approx. 9 hrs, relatively steady from 4-12 hrs; reduced by 1 hr when administered at bedtime (as compared to morning administration); decreased by 33% when…

Brands with this active ingredient

• Aloram
• ALP
• Alphazol
• Alpram
• Alpranax
• Alprazolam
• Alprazota
• Alzium
• Alzolam
• Amrolam
• Anpra
• Anxiorid
• Anxnil
• Anxoten
• Axal

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.