Composition:

Each tablet contains 1 or 2mg Lorazepam.

Indications:

Lorativan is indicated for the short term treatment of moderate and severe anxiety, anxiety in psychosomatic, organic and psychotic illness. It may also be used as premedication before operative dentistry and as a sedative before general surgery.

Dosage:

The dosage should be titrated according to the needs of the individual patient and the lowest effective dose necessary to control symptoms should be used. The drug should not be used for long term chronic treatment.

Children aged 5 – 13 years:

Premedication:0.5–2.5mg (0.05mg/kg to the nearest 0.5mg according to weight) not less than one hour before operation.

Adults:

• Moderate and severe anxiety: 1 – 4mg daily in divided doses.
• Insomnia: 1 – 2mg.
• Premedication: 2 – 3mg the night before operation.

Elderly: The normal adult dose or less may be sufficient.

Side Effects:

Headache on walking, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, sleep disturbances, drowsiness, ataxia, and increased liver enzymes.

In rare cases: Hypotension, gastrointestinal disturbances, and transient skin rashes.

Contraindications:

Hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines, or patients with acute pulmonary insufficiency.

Drug Interactions:

Concomitant administration with alcohol, narcotic analgesics, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and antihistamines will result in an accentuation of their effects.

Precautions:

• Patient should be cautious while driving or operating machinery until it is established that they do not become dizzy or drowsy while taking the drug.
• The drug should be used with caution in patients with impairment of renal or hepatic function, pulmonary failure, or with personality disorders.
• Elderly patients or those suffering from cerebral vascular changes are likely to respond to smaller doses.
• The long and regular use of the drug may cause addiction. 

Use in Pregnancy or Lactation:

It should not be used during pregnancy or lactation.