QUAZEPAM
(qua'ze-pam)
Doral
Classifications: central nervous system agent; benzodiazepine; anxiolytic; sedative-hypnotic
Prototype: Lorazepam
Pregnancy Category: X
Controlled Substance: Schedule IV
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7.5 mg, 15 mg tablets
Believed to potentiate gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neuronal inhibition in the limbic, neocortical, and mesencephalic reticular
systems.
Significantly decreases sleep latency and total wake time and significantly increases sleep time. REM sleep is essentially
unchanged. No transient sleep disturbance such as "rebound insomnia" was observed after withdrawal of the drug.
Insomnia characterized by difficulty in falling asleep, frequent nocturnal awakenings, or early morning awakenings.
Hypersensitivity to quazepam or benzodiazepines; sleep apnea; pregnancy (category X), lactation.
Impaired liver and kidney function. Safety and effectiveness in children <18 y are not established.
Insomnia
Adult: PO 7.5–15 mg h.s.
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Oral
- Initial dose is usually 15 mg but can often be effectively reduced after several nights of therapy.
- Use lowest effective dose in older adults as soon as possible.
CNS: Drowsiness, headache, fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth. GI: Dyspepsia.
Drug: Alcohol, cns depressants, anticonvulsants potentiate CNS depression; cimetidine increases quazepam plasma levels, increasing its toxicity; may decrease antiparkinsonism effects of levodopa; may increase phenytoin levels; smoking decreases sedative effects of quazepam. Herbal: Kava-kava, valerian may potentiate sedation.
Absorption: Readily absorbed from GI tract. Onset: 30 min. Peak: 2 h. Distribution: Crosses placenta; distributed into breast milk. Metabolism: Metabolized in liver to active metabolites. Elimination: Excreted in urine and feces. Half-Life: 39 h.
Assessment & Drug Effects
- Monitor for respiratory depression in patients with chronic respiratory insufficiency.
- Monitor for suicidal tendencies in previously depressed clients.
- Daytime drowsiness is more likely to occur in older adult clients.
Patient & Family Education
- Inform physician about any alcohol consumption and prescription or nonprescription medication that you take. Avoid alcohol
use since it potentiates CNS depressant effects.
- Inform physician immediately if you become pregnant. This drug causes birth defects.
- Do not drive or engage in potentially hazardous activities until response to drug is known.
- Do not increase the dose of this drug; inform physician if the drug no longer works.
- This drug may cause daytime sedation, even for several days after drug is discontinued.
- Do not breast feed while taking this drug.
1%)
Canadian drug name; 
Prototype drug