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NERVOUS SYSTEM › PSYCHOLEPTICS › HYPNOTICS AND SEDATIVES › Benzodiazepine derivatives
quazepam
N05CD10
Forms & Strengths
- Oral tablets: 7.5 mg
- Oral tablets: 15 mg
Adult Dosing
- Usual dose 15 mg PO at bedtime; may increase to 30 mg if needed
- Elderly or hepatic impairment: start 7.5 mg PO at bedtime; may titrate to 15 mg
- Maximum single dose 30 mg; do not exceed 30 mg per 24 h
Pediatric Dosing
- Not established; safety and efficacy not demonstrated in children
Indications
- Short‑term treatment of insomnia (sleep onset and maintenance)
Mechanism of Action
- Positive allosteric modulator of the GABA‑A receptor complex, preferentially binding the BZ1 (ω1) subtype, enhancing chloride influx and neuronal inhibition
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to quazepam or other benzodiazepines
- Acute narrow‑angle glaucoma
- Severe respiratory insufficiency or untreated sleep apnea
- Severe hepatic impairment
- Pregnancy (Category X)
- Lactation
Adverse Reactions
- Somnolence, fatigue, dizziness
- Ataxia, impaired coordination
- Anterograde amnesia
- Psychomotor impairment
- Paradoxical reactions (agitation, aggression)
- Dependence, tolerance, withdrawal syndrome
Drug Interactions
- Additive CNS depression with alcohol, opioids, antihistamines, antipsychotics, other sedatives
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, erythromycin, clarithromycin, grapefruit juice) ↑ plasma levels
- CYP3A4 inducers (rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital) ↓ plasma levels
- Concurrent benzodiazepines increase risk of respiratory depression
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use