| Parameters | Description |
|---|---|
| Category of Drug | Triazolobenzodiazepine. Alprazolam is a Psychotherapeutic Drug |
| Mechanism of Action | Alprazolam acts on benzodiazepine receptors BNZ-1 and BNZ-2. The effect of alprazolam on BNZ-1 mediates the sedation and anti-anxiety effects. |
| Chemical Structure (1) |  |
| Molecular details | Weight: 308.765 Chemical Formula: C17H13ClN4 |
| Pharmacokinetic properties | 1. Bioavailability- 84-91% 2. rapidly absorbed in the GIT 3. Vd- 0.8-1.3L/kg. 4. Crosses the BBB 5. Protein binding- 80% 6. Metabolism- CYP3As 7. Route of elimination- the urine. 8. Plasma Half-life- 11.2 hours |
| Indications | Alprazolam is used for 1. Anxiety disorders 2. Panic attacks |
| Well Known Pharmaceutical Brands | Alprax- Torrent Alpraquil- Lupin Anxit- Micro |
| Available dosage forms | TABLETS |
| Dose | Adult- 0.25 to 0.5 mg daily 2 to 3 times a day. It is not recommended in children. |
| Contraindications | 1. Respiratory depression 2. Marked neuromuscular respiratory weakness including unstable myasthenia gravis 3. Acute pulmonary insufficiency 4. Sleep apnoea syndrome 5. Severe hepatic impairment 6. Not for chronic psychosis 7. should not be used alone in depression or in anxiety with depression |
| Precautions | 1.Respiratory disease 2. Muscle weakness and myasthenia gravis 3. History of drug or alcohol abuse 4. Marked personality disorder 5. Pregnancy 6. Lactation 7. Reduce dose in elderly and debilitated and in hepatic impairment 8. Renal impairment 9. Avoid prolonged use 10. Interactions |
| Adverse Effects | 1. Drowsiness and lightheadedness on the next day 2. Confusion and ataxia 3. Amnesia 4. Dependence 5. Paradoxical increase in aggression 6. Muscle weakness 7. Headache 8. Vertigo 9. Hypotension 10. salivation changes 11. Gastrointestinal disturbances 12. Visual disturbances 13. Dysarthria |
| Pregnancy Category | D |
