💉 Lorazepam Injection 4 mg/mL
📌 1. Prescription / Indications:
Lorazepam 4 mg/mL injection is a high-concentration benzodiazepine used primarily for:
- Status epilepticus (especially prolonged seizures)
- Severe acute agitation in emergency psychiatric or critical care settings
- Preoperative sedation and procedural sedation
- Acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms, including seizures
It is administered intravenously (IV) or intramuscularly (IM) under medical supervision.
📄 2. Description:
- Generic Name: Lorazepam
- Strength: 4 mg/mL
- Form: Injectable solution
- Appearance: Clear, colorless to slightly yellow solution
- Route of Administration: IV or IM
- Formulation Note: Often contains propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol as solvents.
🔬 3. Nature / Drug Class:
- Class: Benzodiazepine
- Mechanism: Enhances GABA-A receptor activity → CNS depressant effects
- Effects: Anxiolytic, sedative, muscle relaxant, anticonvulsant, amnesic
🌟 4. Advantages:
- Rapid onset of action, especially via IV
- Effective seizure control, especially in emergency seizures
- Longer CNS duration compared to diazepam
- Can be used in combination with other anticonvulsants for status epilepticus management
📦 5. Common Packaging:
| Volume | Pack Type |
|---|---|
| 1 mL or 2 mL | Glass ampoules or vials |
| Concentration: 4 mg/mL |
🧊 6. Storage:
- Store at 2°C to 8°C (refrigerated)
- Protect from light
- Do not freeze
- Discard if the solution becomes cloudy or discolored
👩⚕️ 7. Patient Advice:
- For hospital use only — do not self-administer
- May cause drowsiness, confusion, muscle weakness, or respiratory depression
- Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery after receiving
- Inform medical staff if there is a history of:
- Sleep apnea, chronic respiratory issues
- Liver or kidney problems
- Substance use disorder
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
🎯 8. Purpose / Clinical Use:
| Indication | Role of Lorazepam 4 mg/mL |
|---|---|
| Status epilepticus | Fast-acting anticonvulsant |
| Psychiatric emergencies | Sedation for acute agitation |
| Pre-anesthesia | Conscious sedation/pre-medication |
| Alcohol withdrawal | Control of seizures and severe agitation |
⚠️ 9. Warnings / Precautions:
- Risk of respiratory depression, especially if given IV too fast
- Cardiovascular monitoring required during IV administration
- Can cause hypotension, especially in high doses or with other CNS depressants
- Caution in elderly, debilitated patients, or those with CNS depression
- May interact with opioids, alcohol, antipsychotics, and other sedatives