Lorazepam

(Ativan)

Classification:        

     Anticonvulsant

Sedative

   CNS depressant

   Benzodiazepine

Action:                   

 Depresses the CNS

Relaxes skeletal muscle

Indications:            

 Seizures (status epilepticus)

Anxiety

Contraindications:

 Hypersensitivity

Acute alcohol intoxication

Cardiovascular

hypotension
bradycardia
angina

Respiratory

depression

Administration:      

2-6 mg slow IV/IO diluted in equal amount

of NS (titrate to desired effect)

  2-4 mg IM

Pediatrics:        

    N/A

Onset:                 

Duration:               

Onset:                 IV  1-5 minutes   IM  15-30 minutes

Duration:            12-24 hours

Note:   

 Use flumazenil to reverse the effects of lorazepam.