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NERVOUS SYSTEM › PSYCHOLEPTICS › HYPNOTICS AND SEDATIVES › Benzodiazepine derivatives
flurazepam
N05CD01
Forms & Strengths
- Capsule: 15 mg
- Capsule: 30 mg
Adult Dosing
- Insomnia: 15 mg to 30 mg orally once daily at bedtime
- Elderly/debilitated patients: Initiate at 15 mg orally once daily at bedtime
Pediatric Dosing
- Safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients under 18 years of age
Indications
- Short-term treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulty falling asleep, frequent nocturnal awakenings, and/or early morning awakenings
Mechanism of Action
- Binds to allosteric benzodiazepine binding sites on GABAA receptors in the central nervous system, enhancing GABA-mediated chloride influx, resulting in neuronal hyperpolarization, sedation, and anxiolysis
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to flurazepam or other benzodiazepines
- Severe acute respiratory insufficiency
- Sleep apnea syndrome
- Myasthenia gravis
- Severe hepatic impairment
Adverse Reactions
- Drowsiness and daytime sedation
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Ataxia and impaired coordination
- Cognitive impairment and amnesia
- Paradoxical reactions (excitement, aggression, irritability)
- Dependence and withdrawal symptoms with prolonged use
Drug Interactions
- CNS depressants (opioids, alcohol, other sedatives/hypnotics): Enhances sedative and respiratory depressant effects
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, erythromycin): May decrease clearance and increase plasma concentrations of flurazepam
- CYP3A4 inducers (rifampin, carbamazepine): May decrease plasma concentrations and efficacy of flurazepam
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use