DRUG STUDY

Dosage/ Nursing
Mechanism of
Name of Drug Frequency/ Indication Contraindication Adverse Effect Responsibilities
Action
Timing/Route
Generic Name: 1Tab/BID (Twice a May potentiate the To treat anxiety, Acute angle- CNS: Amnesia, - Before starting
Ativan day)/ 8am & 8pm/ effects of gamma To treat insomnia closure glaucoma, anxiety, ataxia, lorazepam therapy
PO (Per Orem) aminobutyric acid caused by anxiety, hypersensitivity to coma, confusion, in a patient with
(GABA) and other To provide lorazepam, its delusions, depression, make
Brand name: inhibitory preoperative components, or depression, sure he already
Lorazepam neurotransmitters sedation and to benzodiazepines; dizziness, takes an
by binding to treat status intra-arterial drowsiness, antidepressant
Specific epilepticus. delivery; psychosis euphoria, because of
Classification: benzodiazepine extrapyramidal increased risk of
receptors in limbic symptoms, fatigue, suicide in patients
Chemical class: and cortical areas headache, with untreated
Benzodiazepine of CNS. GABA hypokinesia, depression.
inhibits excitatory irritability, malaise,
Therapeutic class: stimulation, which nervousness, - Monitor patient's
Amnestic, helps control seizures, respiratory status
antianxiety, emotional slurred speech, closely because
anticonvulsant, behavior. Limbic suicidal ideation, drug may cause
sedative system contains tremor, life-threatening
highly dense area unsteadiness, respiratory
of benzodiazepine vertigo depression.
receptors, which Stopping drug
may explain drug's CV: Chest pain, abruptly increase
antianxiety effects. palpitations, risk of withdrawal
Also, lorazepam tachycardia symptoms, expect
hyperpolarizes to taper dosage
neuronal cells, EENT: Blurred gradually,
thereby interfering vision, diplopia, especially in
with their ability to dry mouth, epileptic patients.
generate seizures. increased - Advise patient to
salivation, avoid hazardous
photophobia activities until
drug's CNS effects
ENDO: Syndrome are known.
of inappropriate
ADH -Urge patient to
avoid alcohol while
GI: Abdominal taking lorazepam
pain, constipation, because it
diarrhea, increases drug's
increased liver CNS
enzyme levels, depressant effects.
jaundice, nausea,
thirst, vomiting -Instruct patient to
report excessive
GU: Libido changes drowsiness and
nausea.
HEME:
Agranulocytosis,
pancytopenia,
Thrombocytopenia

RESP: Apnea,
respiratory
depression,
worsening of sleep
apnea or
obstructive
pulmonary disease

SKIN: Diaphoresis

Other:
Anaphylaxis,
injection site pain
(I.M.) or phlebitis
(I.V.), physical and
psychological
dependence,
withdrawal
symptoms
Generic Name:

Brand name:

Classification: