Flunitrazepam

Drug #1738

Flunitrazepam is a short acting benzodiazepine with actions, uses and adverse effects similar to that of diazepam. Flunitrazepam is used in short term management of insomnia, for induction of anaesthesia and as a premedication in surgical procedures.

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Primary Characteristics

Non-proprietary name: Flunitrazepam.

Pharmacokinetics

None recorded.

Indications

Flunitrazepam is primarily indicated in conditions like Insomnia, Nausea, vertigo, labyrinthine disorders.

Contraindications

Flunitrazepam is contraindicated in conditions like Myasthenia gravis, Respiratory depression, Sleep apnea syndrome, Acute pulmonary insufficiency.

Dosage

None recorded.

Drug Interactions

None recorded.

Side Effects

Flunitrazepam is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Amnesia , Ataxia, Confusion, Dependence , Drowsiness, Dysarthria , Dysuria, GI disturbance, Incontinence, Light headedness, Salivation changes, Tremor, Urinary retensionX, Vertigo.

Warnings / Precautions

Flunitrazepam should be used with caution in patients with respiratory disease, muscle weakness, history of drug or alcohol abuse, marked personality disorder; avoid regular use during pregnancy (risk of neonatal withdrawl symptoms); use only if clear indication such as seizure control (high doses during late pregnancy or labour may cause neonatal hypothermia, hypotonia and respiratory depression); breast-feeding (present in milk, avoid if possible); reduce dose in elderly and debilitated, and in hepatic (avoid if severe) and renal impairment (start with small doses if severe); avoid prolong use (abrupt withdrawl thereafter); porphyria. It should not be used alone to treat depression (or anxiety associated with depression) or psychosis

Available Brands

None recorded.

Drug Classification

1.24.3 — Drugs used in anxiety and sleep disorders