What is the mechanism of action of benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines are a group of CNS depressants which induce feelings of calm (anxiolysis), drowsiness and sleep. They act by facilitating the binding of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA at various GABA receptors throughout the CNS.
What is the therapeutic use of alprazolam?
Alprazolam is used to treat anxiety disorders and panic disorder (sudden, unexpected attacks of extreme fear and worry about these attacks). Alprazolam is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines. It works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain.
What are the indications for alprazolam?
Indications
- Anxiety disorders- generalized anxiety disorder.
- Panic disorders- with or without agoraphobia.
What is the expected pharmacological action of lorazepam?
Lorazepam is used to relieve anxiety. Lorazepam is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines. It works by slowing activity in the brain to allow for relaxation.
Does alprazolam have active metabolites?
Metabolism/Elimination Alprazolam is extensively metabolized in humans, primarily by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), to two major metabolites in the plasma: 4-hydroxyalprazolam and α hydroxyalprazolam. A benzophenone derived from alprazolam is also found in humans.
What are the mechanisms of action of benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine receptor agonists for insomnia?
Benzodiazepine receptor agonists (BZRAs) work through GABAA receptors to promote sleep by inhibiting brainstem monoaminergic arousal pathways, through facilitation of VLPO inhibitory GABAergic projections to arousal centers such as the anterior hypothalamus TMN, the posterolateral hypothalamic hypocretin neurons, and …
What are the contraindications of alprazolam?
Who should not take ALPRAZOLAM?
- overweight.
- suicidal thoughts.
- alcohol intoxication.
- drug abuse.
- depression.
- wide-angle glaucoma.
- closed angle glaucoma.
- asthma.
Is alprazolam an anticonvulsant?
The therapeutic properties of alprazolam are similar to other benzodiazepines and include anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant, hypnotic and amnesic; however, it is used mainly as an anxiolytic.
What is the meaning of pharmacological action?
The term “mechanism of action” is a pharmacological term commonly used when discussing medications or drugs. It refers to how the drug works on a molecular level in the body.
Does lorazepam need to be diluted?
Lorazepam Macure 4 mg/ml solution for injection may be diluted for IM administration and should always be diluted for IV administration with equal amounts of compatible diluent (see section 4.2).
What enzyme metabolizes alprazolam?
Cytochrome P450(CYP)3A4 is one of the CYP enzymes catalyzing oxidative metabolism, and involved in the metabolism of many drugs. Among benzodiazepines, alprazolam, triazolam, brotizolam and midazolam are mainly metabolished by CYP3A4, and quazepam, diazepam and flunitrazepam are partly metabolised by this enzyme.