al·pra·zo·lam ( l-pr  z -lm )n. A benzodiazepine tranquilizer that is used in the management of anxiety disorders. |
alprazolam
alprazolam (alprāz´
lam´),drug class: benzodiazepine (Controlled Substance Schedule IV);
action: produces CNS depression;
uses: anxiety, panic disorders, anxiety with depressive symptoms.
alprazolam
Apo-Alpraz (CA), Niravam, Novo-Alprazol (CA), Nu-Alpraz (CA), Xanax, Xanax TS (CA), Xanax XR
Pharmacologic class: Benzodiazepine
Therapeutic class: Anxiolytic
Controlled substance schedule IV
Pregnancy risk category D
Action
Unclear. Thought to act at limbic, thalamic, and hypothalamic levels of CNS to produce sedative, anxiolytic, skeletal muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsant effects.
Availability
Solution: 1 mg/ml
Tablets (extended-release): 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg
Tablets (immediate-release): 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg
⊘Indications and dosages
➣ Anxiety disorders
Adults: Initially, 0.25 to 0.5 mg P.O. t.i.d. Maximum dosage is 4 mg daily in divided doses.
Elderly patients: Initially, 0.25 mg P.O. two or three times daily. Maximum dosage is 4 mg daily in divided doses.
➣ Panic disorders
Adults: Immediate-release tablets - Initially, 0.5 mg P.O. t.i.d. Increase by a maximum of 1 mg daily at intervals of 3 to 4 days, with a maximum dosage of 10 mg daily in divided doses. Extended-release tablets - Initially, 0.5 to 1 mg P.O. daily. Usual dosage is 3 to 6 mg daily, with a maximum dosage of 10 mg daily.
Dosage adjustment
• Hepatic impairment
Off-label uses
• Agoraphobia
• Depression
• Premenstrual syndrome
Contraindications
• Hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines
• Narrow-angle glaucoma
• Psychosis
• Shock
• Coma
• Labor and delivery
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Precautions
Use cautiously in:
• hepatic dysfunction
• history of attempted suicide or drug dependence
• elderly patients.
Administration
• Don't give with grapefruit juice.
• Make sure patient swallows extended-release tablets whole without chewing or crushing.
☞ Don't withdraw drug suddenly. Seizures and other withdrawal symptoms may occur unless dosage is tapered carefully.
| Route | Onset | Peak | Duration |
| P.O. | 30 min | 1-2 hr | 4-6 hr |
Adverse reactions
CNS: dizziness, drowsiness, depression, fatigue, light-headedness, disorientation, anger, hostility, euphoria, hypomanic episodes, restlessness, confusion, crying, delirium, headache, stupor, rigidity, tremor, paresthesia, vivid dreams, extrapyramidal symptoms
CV: bradycardia, tachycardia, hypertension, hypotension, palpitations, CV collapse
EENT: blurred or double vision, nystagmus, nasal congestion
GI: gastric disorders, dysphagia, anorexia, increased salivation, dry mouth
GU: menstrual irregularities, urinary retention, urinary incontinence, libido changes, gynecomastia
Hematologic: blood dyscrasias such as eosinophilia, agranulocytosis, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia
Hepatic: hepatic dysfunction (including hepatitis )
Musculoskeletal: muscle rigidity, joint pain
Skin: dermatitis, rash, pruritus, urticaria, increased sweating
Other: weight loss or gain, hiccups, fever, edema, psychological drug dependence, drug tolerance
Interactions
Drug-drug. Antidepressants, antihistamines, opioids, other benzodiazepines: increased CNS depression
Barbiturates, rifampin: increased metabolism and decreased efficacy of alprazolam
Cimetidine, disulfiram, erythromycin, fluoxetine, hormonal contraceptives, isoniazid, ketoconazole, metoprolol, propoxyphene, propranolol, valproic acid: decreased metabolism and increased action of alprazolam
Digoxin: increased risk of digoxin toxicity
Levodopa: decreased antiparkinsonian effect
Theophylline: increased sedative effect
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs): increased TCA blood levels
Drug-diagnostic tests. Alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase: elevated levels
Drug-food. Grapefruit juice: decreased drug metabolism and increased blood level
Drug-herbs. Chamomile, hops, kava, skullcap, valerian: increased CNS depression
Drug-behaviors. Alcohol use: increased CNS depression
Smoking: decreased alprazolam efficacy
Patient monitoring
• Watch for excessive CNS depression if patient is concurrently taking antidepressants, other benzodiazepines, antihistamines, or opioids.
• If patient is taking TCAs concurrently, watch for increase in adverse TCA effects.
• Monitor CBC and liver and kidney function test results.
• Monitor vital signs and weight.
• Report signs of drug abuse, including frequent requests for early refills.
Patient teaching
• Instruct patient to swallow extended-release tablets whole without crushing or chewing.
☞ Tell patient that drug may make him more depressed, angry, or hostile. Urge him to contact prescriber immediately if he thinks he's dangerous to himself or others.
• Inform patient that drug may cause tremors, muscle rigidity, and other movement problems. Advise him to report these effects to prescriber.
☞ Caution patient not to stop taking drug suddenly. Withdrawal symptoms, including seizures, may occur unless drug is tapered carefully.
• Advise patient to avoid driving and other hazardous activities until he knows how drug affects concentration and alertness.
• As appropriate, review all other significant and life-threatening adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the drugs, tests, foods, herbs, and behaviors mentioned above.
alprazolam
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