ALUCTIN

FLURAZEPAM

Flurazepam is a hypnotic agent useful for the treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulty in falling asleep, frequent nocturnal awakenings, and/or early morning awakening. Flurazepam can be used effectively in patients with recurring insomnia or poor sleeping habits, and in acute or chronic medical situations requiring restful sleep. Sleep laboratory studies have objectively determined that Flurazepam is effective for at least 28 consecutive nights of drug administration. Since insomnia is often transient and intermittent, short-term use is usually sufficient. Prolonged use of hypnotics is usually not indicated and should only be undertaken concomitantly with appropriate evaluation of the patient.

Benzodiazepine hypnotics

Flurazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine which binds to stereospecific benzodiazepine receptors on the postsynaptic GABA neuron w/in the CNS, including the limbic system, reticular formation. It enhances the inhibitory effect of GABA on neuronal excitability by increasing neuronal membrane permeability to Cl ions, thus resulting in hyperpolarisation and stabilisation.

Oral- Short-term management of insomnia Adult: 15-30 mg at night. Child: 815 yr 15 mg at night. Elderly: Max: 15 mg at night. May be taken with or without food.A

May enhance CNS depressant effect with antidepressants, antipsychotics, general anaesth, hypnotics or sedatives, opioid analgesics. Flurazepam clearance may be reduced by cimetidine, and may be increased by rifampicin.

Patient with pre-existing CNS depression or coma, resp depression, acute pulmonary insufficiency, myasthenia gravis, sleep apnoea, chronic psychosis or obsessional states. Pregnancy.

Increased risk of hazardous sleep-related activities (e.g. sleep-driving), drowsiness, light-headedness, dizziness, confusion, anterograde amnesia, headache, fatigue, reduced alertness, numbed emotions, apnoea, dyspnoea, muscle weakness, ataxia, slurred speech, double vision, vertigo, hypotension, skin rashes, GI and visual disturbances, excessive salivation, changes in libido, urinary retention.

Category X: Studies in animals or human beings have demonstrated fetal abnormalities or there is evidence of fetal risk based on human experience or both, and the risk of the use of the drug in pregnant women clearly outweighs any possible benefit. The drug is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant.

Symptoms: Mental confusion, somnolence, lethargy, dysarthria, impaired vision, dystonia to ataxia, unconsciousness, central resp and/or circulatory depression, coma. Management: Symptomatic and supportive treatment. Induce vomiting or gastric lavage if taken within 1 hr. May admin activated charcoal to reduce absorption. Flumazenil may be used as an adjunct to proper management.S

Patient with chronic pulmonary insufficiency, personality disorder, depression, resp disease, impaired gag reflex, history of alcohol or drug addiction. Renal and hepatic impairment. Children (<15 yr), elderly or debilitated patient. Lactation.

Store between 15-308C.