Clinical beta
FMBM is currently in clinical beta. Content is for professional review/testing and must not replace local protocols, senior clinical judgment, or official prescribing references.
Drug Monograph
USE IF: Acute seizures, status epilepticus, agitation, alcohol withdrawal, procedural sedation
AVOID IF: Severe respiratory depression, acute CNS depressant intoxication without airway support
Lorazepam
Benzodiazepine (anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, sedative)
Indication
Seizures • Status epilepticus • Agitation • Alcohol withdrawal • Sedation
INDICATIONS (CORE USE)
- Status epilepticus (first-line) - Acute seizures - Agitation - Alcohol withdrawal
ADULT DOSE (STANDARD)
IV dosing per protocol (repeat dosing may be required) IM/PO in selected contexts
MAX DOSE
Protocol- and monitoring-based; avoid unmonitored repeat dose stacking
Route
IV • IM • PO
PEDIATRIC DOSE
Protocol-based
Must-not-miss safety points
Major warning
- Respiratory depression with airway compromise risk - Additive CNS depression (especially with opioids) - Oversedation risk with repeat dosing - Accumulation and prolonged sedation with repeated dosing
INDICATION: Seizures • Status epilepticus • Agitation • Alcohol withdrawal • Sedation
Primary
Secondary
STANDARD (ADULT PO)
IV dosing for seizures may be repeated per protocol based on response and respiratory status
ADULT DOSE
STANDARD (ADULT): - IV dosing for seizures; repeat based on protocol response targets
PEDIATRIC DOSE
Protocol-based
MAX DOSE
Protocol-defined cumulative limits with airway and cardiorespiratory monitoring
Practical Note
- Preferred in hospital for seizure control - More sustained CNS effect than diazepam - Avoid excessive repeat dosing without monitoring
Clinical warnings
Adverse effects
Pediatrics
Protocol-based
Pregnancy
Pregnancy: Use only when benefits outweigh fetal risk in acute high-risk indications
Lactation
Monitor infant for sedation if clinically relevant exposure occurs.
Renal impairment
Use caution in severe renal dysfunction and monitor for prolonged sedation when repeat dosing is required.
Hepatic impairment
Generally safer than diazepam regarding accumulation, but still requires close clinical monitoring.
Elderly
Increased sensitivity with sedation and falls; use lower doses and close monitoring.
- IV preferred in acute seizures - IM/PO are alternative routes in selected contexts - Monitor airway and breathing continuously in acute care settings
Clinical Picture
CNS depression, respiratory depression, and coma
Immediate Actions
Airway protection and ventilatory support as needed
Antidote
Flumazenil (use cautiously; seizure risk)
Decontamination
Supportive toxicology-directed management
Escalation
Escalate to ICU-level support for progressive respiratory or neurologic compromise
Common mistakes, resistance logic, and bedside traps
Pharmacy Tool
suspension · oral
Pharmacist verification beta
Preparation formulas are currently in pharmacist verification beta and must be validated against institutional protocols before use. Additional safeguards apply (high-alert medication).
Acknowledge the statements above to unlock volume scaling and ingredient quantities.
- Intermediate half-life - No active metabolites (advantage vs diazepam)
- Enhances GABA-A receptor activity leading to CNS inhibition
Saudi Arabia
Ativan, Lorazepam
Global
(placeholder — verify local formulation)
Common trade names are curated examples only — formulations and availability vary. Verify the exact product name with your local pharmacy and national regulator before prescribing or dispensing.
Global data (no country-specific data available)
Saudi Arabia
International