Medazepam
Tranquilizer, Sedative/Hypnotic · Benzodiazepine
Indications
Short-term treatment of anxiety that is severe or disabling occurring alone or with insomnia.
Dosage
Adults: Elderly, 5-20 mg; others, 15-40 mg in divided doses. Children: Not recommended.
Adverse Effects
Drowsiness and light headedness, which may continue into the following day. Muscle weakness, ataxia, confusion, vertigo, GI upset, hypotension, visual disturbance, rash, impaired alertness and dexterity, headache, urinary pretension, changes in libido, Rarely blood disorder, jaundice, respiratory depression, abnormal psychological reactions. Paradoxical reactions, anterograde amnesia. Dependence. Injection: rarely, thrombophlebitis.
Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)
Pregnancy: Not rated. Lactation: Caution advised or effect undetermined. Contraindications: Acute pulmonary insufficiency, respiratory depression, sleep apnoea, phobic or obsessional state, chronic psychosis, unstable Myasthaenia gravis. Severe hepatic impairment. As monotherapy to treat depression or anxiety associated with depression. Precautions: Chronic pulmonary insufficiency, Myasthaenia gravis, renal impairment, mild to moderate hepatic impairment, history of drugs or alcohol abuse, personality disorders, Elderly, avoid long-term use. Withdraw gradually.
Interactions
Alcohol, CNS depressants, anticonvulsants, CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers (e.g. cimetidine, rifampicin).
Advice to Patient
Take without meals. Swallow with sufficient amount of fluid. If medication is taken for more than 1 week, do not stop taking abruptly, gradually lower the dose and then stop. Discontinue medication and contact prescriber if you experience hallucinations, acute agitation, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, insomnia, aggression and muscle spasms.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Rapid. Metabolism: Hepatic. Bioavailability: 50%-75%. Half-life elimination: Terminal: 36-150 hrs. Time to peak, plasma: 1-2 hrs. Excretion: Urine (63%-85%). Faeces (15%-37%).
Brands with this active ingredient
Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →
Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.