Lozicum 1

Indications

Lozicum is indicated for the management of various anxiety disorders, including those linked to phobias, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, psychosomatic conditions, and both organic and psychotic illnesses. It is also effective for treating insomnia due to anxiety, as well as nervousness and restlessness. Additionally, Lozicum can help alleviate nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy and anticonvulsants. It is often used as a premedication prior to dental or surgical procedures, especially when discomfort is anticipated. Lozicum is generally not recommended for treating anxiety in children, but a dose of 0.05 mg/kg may be used for premedication in children aged 5 to 13 years. Gradual dose adjustments are advised to minimize side effects, with any increases in the evening dose recommended prior to daytime doses.

Consult a registered healthcare professional before use.

Pharmacology

Lorazepam, the active ingredient in Lozicum, is a short-acting tranquilizer belonging to the benzodiazepine class. It functions as an agonist at benzodiazepine receptors in the central nervous system (CNS), exerting a calming effect that may be enhanced by increasing the inhibitory actions of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). This mechanism reduces the activity of ascending pathways, particularly those involving serotonin and norepinephrine, from the brain stem and midbrain to the cerebral cortex.

Dosage & Administration

Lorazepam is administered orally, with dosage tailored to individual patient needs for optimal results.

• General Dosage: 2 to 6 mg/day, divided into doses with the largest portion taken at bedtime (ranging from 1 to 10 mg/day).
• Anxiety Treatment: Most patients begin with 2 to 3 mg/day, divided into two or three doses.
• Elderly or Debilitated Patients: Start with 1 to 2 mg/day, adjusting as needed based on tolerance.
• Insomnia: 1 to 2 mg taken before bedtime; as a premedicant, administer 1 to 2 mg the night before and 1 to 2 hours before surgery.

Lorazepam can also be given via intravenous or intramuscular injection.

• Premedication (Adults): 0.05 mg/kg (approximately 3.5 mg for a 70 kg individual); for IV use, administer 30-45 minutes prior and for IM use, 60-90 minutes prior.
• Acute Anxiety (Adults): 0.025-0.03 mg/kg (1.75-2.1 mg for a 70 kg individual), repeat every 6 hours.
• Status Epilepticus (Adults): 4 mg IV; for children, 2 mg IV.

For IM administration, use undiluted Lorazepam; for IV, dilute with an equal volume of compatible solutions like Sterile Water or Sodium Chloride. Do not exceed an injection rate of 2 mg per minute.

Consult a registered healthcare professional before use.

Interactions

Lozicum may enhance the central depressant effects when combined with other substances that have similar effects, including alcohol, general anesthetics, tricyclic antidepressants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Contraindications

Lorazepam should not be administered to individuals with known sensitivity to benzodiazepines, acute narrow-angle glaucoma, or myasthenia gravis.

Side Effects

Initial treatment may lead to adverse reactions that typically subside with continued use or dose adjustments. Common side effects include sedation, dizziness, weakness, and unsteadiness. Less common effects may involve disorientation, depression, nausea, appetite changes, headaches, sleep disturbances, agitation, dermatological reactions, vision issues, and various gastrointestinal symptoms.

Pregnancy & Lactation

The safety of Lorazepam during pregnancy has not been established. Its use should generally be avoided unless absolutely necessary. It is unclear whether Lorazepam is excreted in human milk; thus, breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication.

Precautions & Warnings

In patients with anxiety-related depression, the potential for suicidal ideation should be considered. For elderly or weakened patients, initial dosages should not exceed 2 mg to prevent excessive sedation. Caution is advised for patients with renal or hepatic impairments and chronic pulmonary conditions. Extended use in gastric patients necessitates monitoring for gastrointestinal issues. Operating machinery while on Lozicum should be avoided.

Overdose Effects

Overdose of Lozicum can lead to varying degrees of CNS depression, ranging from drowsiness to coma. Mild cases may present with symptoms like drowsiness and mental confusion, while severe cases—especially with concurrent substance use—can result in ataxia, hypotonia, hypotension, and coma.

Therapeutic Class

Benzodiazepine hypnotics, Benzodiazepine sedatives

Storage Conditions

Store at a temperature between 20-25°C.