Oxazepam
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 |
|
|
Oxazepam
|
|
| Systematic (IUPAC) name | |
| 9-chloro-4-hydroxy-6-phenyl- 2,5-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undeca- 5,8,10,12-tetraen-3-one |
|
| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | |
| ATC code | N05 |
| PubChem | |
| DrugBank | |
| Chemical data | |
| Formula | C15H11ClN2O2 |
| Mol. mass | 286.71 |
| Pharmacokinetic data | |
| Bioavailability | 95.5% |
| Metabolism | Hepatic |
| Half life | 4-15 hours |
| Excretion | Renal |
| Therapeutic considerations | |
| Pregnancy cat. |
? |
| Legal status |
Schedule IV(US) |
| Routes | Oral |
Oxazepam (marketed under brand names Alepam, Murelax, Oxascand, Serax, Serepax, Seresta, Sobril) is a drug which is a benzodiazepine derivative. It possesses anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, sedative and skeletal muscle relaxant properties.
Contents |
[edit] Pharmacology
Oxazepam is an active metabolite formed during the breakdown of diazepam, nordazepam, and certain similar drugs. Oxazepam may be safer than many other benzodiazepines in patients with impaired liver function because it does not require hepatic oxidation, but rather it is simply metabolized via glucuronidation. This means that oxazepam is less likely to accumulate and cause adverse reactions in the elderly or people with liver disease. Oxazepam is similar to lorazepam in this respect. (1)
[edit] Indications
It is an intermediate acting benzodiazepine with a slow onset of action, so it is usually prescribed to individuals who have trouble staying asleep, rather than falling asleep. It is commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders with associated tension, irritability, and agitation. It is also prescribed for drug and alcohol withdrawal, and for anxiety associated with depression.
[edit] Dosage
- Mild/moderate anxiety - 10 to 15mg, 3 to 4 times daily
- Severe anxiety - 15 to 30mg, 3 to 4 times daily
- Symptoms related to alcohol withdrawal - 15 to 30mg, 3 to 4 times daily
[edit] Availability
In the United Kingdom, oxazepam is available generically in the form of 10mg, 15mg and 30mg tablets.
[edit] Side effects
The side effects of oxazepam are similar in nature to those of other benzodiazepines.
Side effects from oxazepam are common and include: drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, weakness, dry mouth, diarrhea, upset stomach, changes in appetite, heart palpitations, anxiety, trouble breathing, shortness of breath, angry outbursts, trouble sleeping, tremors
 |
This section is a stub. You can help by expanding it. |
[edit] Interactions
As oxazepam is an active metabolite of diazepam, there is likely an overlap in possible interactions with other drugs or food. Take serious precautions when dosing with Oxazepam (any benozodiazepines) in combinations with serious pain killers (Opiates)Does not mix well with alcohol, can intensify the feeling of intoxication, and lead to inhanced stupor.
|
This section is a stub. You can help by expanding it. |
[edit] Contraindications
|
This section is a stub. You can help by expanding it. |
[edit] Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include:
- Somnolence
- Confusion
- Impaired motor function
- Coma
- Hypoventilation (respiratory depression)
- Hypotension
[edit] Legal Status
Oxazepam is a Schedule IV drug under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances [1].
[edit] References
[edit] External links
Adinazolam, Alprazolam, Bentazepam, Bromazepam, Brotizolam, Camazepam, Chlordiazepoxide, Cinolazepam, Clobazam, Clonazepam, Clorazepate, Clotiazepam, Cloxazolam, Cyprazepam, Diazepam, Doxefazepam, Estazolam, Ethyl loflazepate, Etizolam, Fludiazepam, Flunitrazepam, Flurazepam, Flutazolam, Flutoprazepam, Gidazepam, Halazepam, Haloxazolam, Ketazolam, Loprazolam, Lorazepam, Lormetazepam, Medazepam, Mexazolam, Midazolam, Nimetazepam, Nitrazepam, Nordazepam, Oxazepam, Oxazolam, Phenazepam, Pinazepam, Prazepam, Quazepam, Temazepam, Tetrazepam, Tofisopam, Triazolam, Zolazepam
