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NERVOUS SYSTEM › PSYCHOLEPTICS › HYPNOTICS AND SEDATIVES › Benzodiazepine derivatives
nitrazepam
N05CD02
Forms & Strengths
- Tablets: 5mg, 10mg
- Oral solution: 5mg/5ml
- Rectal solution: 5mg/ml
Adult Dosing
- Initial dose: 5mg at bedtime, titrated to 10mg if needed
- Elderly or debilitated: 2.5mg to 5mg at bedtime
- Maximum dose: 10mg to 15mg at bedtime
Pediatric Dosing
- Children >30kg: 0.5mg to 1mg/kg at bedtime
- Children 15-30kg: 0.25mg to 0.5mg/kg at bedtime
- Children <15kg: contraindicated
Indications
- Short-term treatment of insomnia
- Severe or disabling anxiety
- Treatment of myoclonic seizures
- Treatment of status epilepticus
Mechanism of Action
- Potentiation of GABA neurotransmission
- Enhancement of chloride ion influx
- Modulation of benzodiazepine receptors
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines
- Acute narrow-angle glaucoma
- Myasthenia gravis
- Severe respiratory depression
- Sleep apnea syndrome
Adverse Reactions
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Ataxia
- Amnesia
- Headache
- Gastrointestinal disturbances
- Paradoxical reactions
Drug Interactions
- Increased sedation with other CNS depressants
- Reduced efficacy with rifampicin
- Increased risk of hypotension with antihypertensives
- Potential for increased benzodiazepine effects with cimetidine
- Interaction with grapefruit juice
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use