Description
Generics: Alprazolam
Dosage Form: Tablet.
Indications:
Alprazolam is indicated in-
- Anxiety disorder
- Short term relief of anxiety
- Anxiety associated with depression
- Panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia.
Pharmacology:
Alprazolam is a triazole analog of the 1,4-benzodiazepine class of drugs. It is an anxiolytic with hypnotic and anticonvulsive properties. Alprazolam is presumed to produce its effects via interacting with the Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)- benzodiazepine receptor complex. Like all benzodiazepines, it causes a dose-related CNS depressant activity varying from mild impairment of task performance to hypnosis.
Dosage guideline:
Three times daily.
Treatment should be initiated with a dose of 0.25 to 0.5 mg three times daily. Depending on the response, dose may be increased at intervals of 3 to 4 days in increments of no more than 1 mg/day. The maximum dose should not exceed 4 mg/day. Occasional patients with panic disorder may need as much as 10 mg a day to achieve a successful response and in these cases periodic reassessment and consideration of dosage adjustment is required.
Dosage should be individualized for maximum beneficial effect with the lowest possible dose. If side-effects occur at starting dose, dose may be lowered. When discontinuing therapy, dosage should be reduced gradually by no more than 0.5 mg every three days.
In elderly patients or in patients with advanced liver disease, the usual starting dose is 0.25 mg, two or three times daily and may be gradually increased if needed and tolerated.
Alprazolam 1 mg should be administered once daily, preferably in the morning by patients who are on multiple dosage regimens of Alprazolam 0.25/0.5 mg. The tablets should be taken intact, they should not be chewed, crushed, or broken.
Route of administration: Orally.
Interaction:
The CNS-depressant action of Alprazolam may be aggravated by concomitant use of other psychotropic drugs, anticonvulsants, antihistaminics, alcohol and oral ontraceptives.
Side Effects:
Side effects, if occur, are generally observed at the beginning of therapy and usually disappear upon continued medication. The most frequent side effects are drowsiness and light-headedness. The other side effects, that may occur include depression, headache, confusion, dry mouth, constipation, etc.
Pregnancy & Lactation:
Alprazolam has been categorized in pregnancy category D; that means, it should be avoided in pregnancy. Like other benzodiazepines, Alprazolam is assumed to be excreted in breast milk. Therefore, nursing should not be undertaken by mothers who must use Alprazolam.
Precautions & Warnings:
Because Alprazolam may produce psychological and physical dependence, the increment of dose or abrupt discontinuation of Alprazolam therapy should not be done without the physician’s advice. The duration of therapy must be determined by the physicians. Alprazolam should be administered with caution to patients with hepatic or renal disease, chronic pulmonary insufficiency, or sleep apnea.
Therapeutic Class:
Benzodiazepine sedatives
Storage Conditions:
Keep in a dry place, away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.
Manufactured by: Sun Pharmaceuticals (Bangladesh) Ltd.
