Nitrazepam

Drug #518

Nitrazepam is a 1,4-benzodiazipine. A substituent in the 7th position such as halogen or a nitro group is required for its sedative-hypnotic activity. It has depressant action on CNS. Used in the treatment of insomnia. Nitrazepam is not available in any combination preparations.Nitrazepam is administered orally. May cause dependence even in therapeutic dosage.

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Primary Characteristics

It is of Natural origin and belongs to Benzodiazepine.

It belongs to Chloride Channel Potentiater (GABA operated) pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in Anti-epileptic Agent pharmacological group.

Molecular Weight: 281.3 · pK_a: 3.2, 10.8 · Solubility in Water: < 1 in 10000 · Solubility in Alcohol: 1 in 120 · Non-proprietary name: nitrogen.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Nitrazepam has an oral bioavailability is 95%, pre-systemic (first-pass) metabolism accounts for 26.5% (±20.5%).

Distribution: Nitrazepam has a volume of distribution is 1.8 - 4.7 l/kg. plasma protein binding is 87 %.

Elimination: it is metabolised via Hepatic, plasma half-life is 25 hr, renal excretion is Major.

Indications

Nitrazepam is primarily indicated in conditions like Warts.

Contraindications

None recorded.

Dosage

Nitrazepam's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
7.5 mg	7.5 mg	—	PO	At bed time
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
0.25 mg/kg	0.25 mg/kg	Every 12h	Oral	-
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
0.25 mg/kg	0.25 mg/kg	Every 12h	Oral	-

Drug Interactions

Unknown1 interaction

Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.

Side Effects

Nitrazepam in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Aggression, Anxiety , Aggression .

Nitrazepam produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Anaphylaxis . Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.

The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Nitrazepam are Drowsiness, Drowsiness, Ataxia, Sedation , Dysarthria .

Nitrazepam is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Blurred vision, Constipation , Hypotension, Loss of libido, Nausea, Respiratory depression, Slurred speech, VertigoX.

Warnings / Precautions

Perform periodic blood counts and liver function tests during long term therapy. Nitrazepam should be used with caution in patients if increased salivation cause respiratory difficulty, because it may produce an increase in salivation. Give least amount of drug to patients in whom depression accompanies anxiety and suicidal tendencies may be present. It should be used with caution (if it contains tartrazine) in patients with aspirin hypersensitivity because it may cause allergic reaction (including bronchial asthma). It should be used with caution in patients with porphyria.

Interference in Pathology

Nitrazepam may interfere in the diagnosis of False +ve result in the colorimetric method of Baer. .

Available Brands

None recorded.

Storage Conditions

Nitrazepam should be stored Tab, Susp.

Drug Classification

1.24.3 — Drugs used in anxiety and sleep disorders