oxazepam

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oxazepam

[ok-saz´ĕ-pam] a benzodiazepine used as an antianxiety agent and sometimes used for relief of symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal.

oxazepam

Apo-Oxazepam (CA), Bio-Oxaxepam (CA) Novoxapam (CA), PMS-Oxazepam (CA), Riva Oxazepam (CA)

Pharmacologic class: Benzodiazepine

Therapeutic class: Anxiolytic, sedative-hypnotic

Controlled substance schedule IV

Pregnancy risk category D

Action

Suppresses CNS stimulation at limbic and subcortical levels by potentiating effects of gamma-aminobutyrate, an inhibitory neurotransmitter. This suppression reduces anxiety and diminishes alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Availability

Capsules: 10 mg, 15 mg, 30 mg

Tablets: 15 mg

Indications and dosages

➣ Mild to moderate anxiety

Adults: 10 to 15 mg P.O. three to four times daily

➣ Severe anxiety; alcohol withdrawal symptoms

Adults: 15 to 30 mg P.O. three to four times daily

Dosage adjustment

• Elderly patients

Off-label uses

• Insomnia

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to drug or tartrazine (some products)

Precautions

Use cautiously in:

• hepatic dysfunction, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, myasthenia gravis, CNS depression, uncontrolled severe pain

• history of suicide attempt or drug abuse

• concurrent use of other benzodiazepines

• elderly or debilitated patients

• pregnant or breastfeeding patients.

Administration

• Administer with or without food.

• Taper dosage after long-term therapy.

Adverse reactions

CNS: dizziness, drowsiness, headache, confusion, poor memory, hangover effect, slurred speech, depression, paradoxical stimulation

CV: orthostatic hypotension, hypotension, ECG changes, tachycardia

EENT: blurred vision, mydriasis, tinnitus

GI: nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea

GU: urinary retention, urinary incontinence

Hematologic: leukopenia

Hepatic: jaundice, hepatitis

Respiratory: respiratory depression

Skin: rash, dermatitis, itching

Other: physical and psychological drug dependence, drug tolerance, withdrawal symptoms

Interactions

Drug-drug. Azole antifungals: increased oxazepam blood level, greater risk of toxicity

Hormonal contraceptives, phenytoin: decreased oxazepam efficacy

Levodopa: decreased levodopa efficacy

Other CNS depressants (including anti-depressants, antihistamines, other benzodiazepines, sedative-hypnotics, opioids): additive CNS depression

Theophylline: decreased sedative effect of oxazepam

Drug-diagnostic tests. Alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase: increased levels

Hematocrit, thyroid uptake of sodium iodide ¹²³I and¹³¹I, white blood cells: decreased values

Drug-food. Cabbage: decreased drug blood level

Drug-herbs. Chamomile, hops, kava, valerian, skullcap: increased CNS depression

Drug-behaviors. Alcohol use: increased CNS depression

Patient monitoring

See Monitor liver function tests and watch for signs and symptoms of hepatitis.

• Check vital signs. Stay alert for respiratory depression, orthostatic hypotension, and tachycardia.

• Monitor neurologic status. As needed, take measures to prevent injury.

• Watch for signs and symptoms of psychological or physical dependence.

• When tapering, watch for withdrawal symptoms.

Patient teaching

• Tell patient he may take with or without meals, but should avoid cabbage.

• Advise patient to take exactly as prescribed. Tell him drug can cause dependence, and emphasize importance of following tapering instructions to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

See Urge patient to immediately report unusual tiredness, nausea, appetite loss, or yellowing of skin or eyes.

• Tell patient to change position slowly to avoid blood pressure decrease.

• Instruct patient to report severe dizziness, weakness, persistent drowsiness, palpitations, or visual changes.

• Advise patient not to drink alcohol.

• Caution patient to avoid driving and other hazardous activities until he knows how drug affects vision, cognition, and balance.

• As appropriate, review all other significant and life-threatening adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the drugs, tests, foods, herbs, and behaviors mentioned above.

oxazepam

(ŏk-săz′ə-păm′)n. A benzodiazepine drug, C₁₅H₁₁ClN₂O₂, used to treat anxiety and alcohol withdrawal.

oxazepam

Neuropharmacology A benzodiazepine anxiolytic/sedative/hypnotic Therapeutic range 0.2–1.4 mg/L; 200-1400 µg/L Toxic range Not defined

oxazepam

A BENZODIAZEPINE tranquillizing drug.

oxazepam

ox·az·e·pam

oxazepam

oxazepam

oxazepam

oxazepam

Action

Availability

Indications and dosages

Dosage adjustment

Off-label uses

Contraindications

Precautions

Administration

Adverse reactions

Interactions

Patient monitoring

Patient teaching

oxazepam

oxazepam

oxazepam

oxazepam

Synonyms for oxazepam

noun a tranquilizing drug (trade name Serax) used to treat anxiety and insomnia and alcohol withdrawal

Synonyms

Related Words