Temazepam

Tranquilizer, Sedative/Hypnotic · Benzodiazepine

Indications

Sleep disturbance, short-term treatment of insomnia when day-time sedation is undesirable.

Dosage

Adults: Elderly, 15 mg; others, 15-30 mg. Both at bedtime. Severe cases, max 60 mg if required. 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, psychiatric and paradoxical reactions. Anterograde amnesia. Rarely blood disorders, jaundice. Dependence.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Severe respiratory insufficiency, sleep apnoea, Myasthaenia gravis, phobic or obsessional states, chronic psychosis, acute narrow angle glaucoma. Severe hepatic impairment. 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).

Advice to Patient

Take with or without meals. To reduce GI upset, take with meals. Do not take any new medication, OTC preparations (especially pain medications, sedatives, antihistamines, hypnotics) without consulting prescriber. Contact prescriber if there is headache, difficulty in breathing, change in gait, change in vision, change in memory, chest pain, palpitations, constant dizziness, increased sleepiness, confusion, depression, excitation, lack of sleep, abnormal thinking, nightmares, muscle pain or weakness, unusual swelling. Avoid alcohol during therapy. Take sufficient amount of fluids (2-3 litres per day) to maintain hydration, unless restricted by the prescriber. On start of therapy or change of dosage, patient should be watched carefully for suicidal tendency by caregiver or family.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset: 30 mins-1 hr. Absorption: Readily absorbed from the GI tract. Metabolism: Hepatic. Half-life elimination: 8-15 hrs. Time to peak, plasma: 2-3 hrs. Excretion: Urine (80%-90%).

Brands with this active ingredient

• Calm
• Restoril
• Xteem

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

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.