Nitrazepam

Tranquilizer, Sedative/Hypnotic · Benzodiazepine

Indications

Short-term treatment of insomnia when it is severe or disabling.

Dosage

Adults: Elderly, 2.5-5 mg; others, 5-10 mg. Both at bedtime. Children: Not recommended.

Adverse Effects

Drowsiness, which may continue into the following day. Muscle weakness, ataxia, confusion, vertigo, GI upset, visual disturbances, rash, impaired alertness and dexterity, headache, urinary retention, changes in libido. Anterograde amnesia. Rarely blood disorders, jaundice. Dependence.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Acute pulmonary insufficiency, respiratory depression, sleep apnoea, phobic or obsessional states, chronic psychosis, Myasthaenia gravis, porphyria. Severe hepatic impairment. As monotherapy to treat depression or anxiety associated with depression. Precautions: Chronic pulmonary insufficiency, renal impairment, Mild to moderate hepatic impairment. History of drug 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), levodopa.

Advice to Patient

Swallow whole with a full glass of water. Take immediately before going to bed. Do not take for more than 1 month. Do not stop taking medication abruptly, gradually lower the dose and then stop. Contact prescriber if there is swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat, difficulty in breathing or swallowing, circular irregular red patches on the skin of the hands and arms, severe form of skin rash with flushing, fever, blisters or ulcers. Avoid alcohol during therapy.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Readily absorbed from the GI tract. Metabolism: Hepatic. Bioavailability: Oral: 53%-94%. Half-life elimination: 24-30 hrs. Time to peak, plasma: 2-3 hrs. Excretion: Urine. Faeces (20%).

Brands with this active ingredient

• Mogadon
• Nitpam

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

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.