Alprazolam

Drug #791

Alprazolam is a psychotherapeutic drug, used in anxiety and sleep disoredrs. Alprazolam is a 1,4-benzodiazepine. A substituent in the 7th position such as halogen or a nitro group is required for sedative hypnotic activity. Benzdiazepines are the most widely used anxiolytic drugs. The benzodiazepines are more effective and safer. They have largely replaced barbiturates and meprobamates in the treatment of anxiety.

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Primary Characteristics

It is of Synthetic 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 Benzodiazepine pharmacological group. It is also classified under Psychotherapeutic Drugs .

Molecular Weight: 308.8 · pK_a: 2.4 · Solubility in Water: insoluble · Solubility in Alcohol: sparingly soluble · Non-proprietary name: Alprazolam.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Alprazolam has an oral bioavailability is 92%.

Distribution: Alprazolam has a volume of distribution is 0.7-1.4 l/kg. plasma protein binding is 70 - 80%.

Elimination: it is metabolised via hepatic, plasma half-life is 6 - 16 hr, renal excretion is 20%.

Indications

Alprazolam is primarily indicated in conditions like Anxiety, Panic disorders, Premenstural syndrome.

Alprazolam is also indicated for secondary conditions like Depression.

Contraindications

Alprazolam is contraindicated in conditions like Pulmonary insufficiency, Narrow-angle glaucoma, Hypersensitivity.

Dosage

Alprazolam's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
0.375 mg	0.375 mg	Every 8h	PO	Max. 3mg/day
1.125 mg/day	1.125 mg/day	Every 24h	PO	In Generalized Anxiety: give in divided doses
3 mg/day	3 mg/day	Every 24h	PO	In Depression: give in divided doses
7 mg/day	7 mg/day	Every 24h	PO	In Panic Disorder
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
0 – 0	—	—	—	Not Recommended in this Age Group
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
0 – 0	—	—		Not recommended in this age group

Drug Interactions

Unknown19 interactions

8 interactions

Major1 interaction

Moderate5 interactions

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

Side Effects

Alprazolam produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Respiratory depression, Blood dyscrasias. Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.

The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Alprazolam are Excitation , Coma, CNS depression, Drowsiness, Confusion , Ataxia, Sedation .

Alprazolam is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Anxiety, Ataxia, Changes in libido , Confusion, Depression, Dizziness, Drowsiness, Excitement, Fatigue, GI disturbance, Hallucination , Headache, Insomnia, Muscle weakness, Pain , Rage, Sedation , Somnolence , Tension, Thrombophlebitis , Trembling, VertigoX, Withdrwal seizures.

Warnings / Precautions

Perform periodic blood counts and liver function tests during long term therapy. Alprazolam 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. Use with caution (if it contains tartrazine) in patients with aspirin hypersensitivity because it may cause allergic reaction (including bronchial asthma).

Available Brands

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Single Ingredient

Tabs

0.25 mg 0.5 mg 1 mg 2 mg

Storage Conditions

Alprazolam should be stored . Tab.

Drug Classification

1.24.3 — Drugs used in anxiety and sleep disorders

Manufacturers

Manufacturers of Alprazolam in Pakistan: