Lorazepam (Ativan)

Psychiatry / Neurology (Benzodiazepine)

Dosing & Administration

Adult Dose

Anxiety: 1-3 mg PO daily in divided doses. Seizures: 4 mg IV slowly.

Pediatric Dose

Seizures: 0.1 mg/kg IV (max 4 mg).

Renal Adjustment

No adjustment necessary for short term use.

Hepatic Adjustment

No adjustment necessary (metabolized via glucuronidation - safer in cirrhosis).

Safety & Special Populations

Pregnancy Category

D

Lactation Safety

Probably compatible.

Contraindications & Adverse Effects

Contraindications

  • Acute narrow-angle glaucoma

Common Adverse Effects

  • Sedation
  • Respiratory depression
  • Anterograde amnesia
  • Dependence