Alprazolam Pharmacology

Alprazolam

About Alprazolam
Benzodiazepine derivative, Anti anxiety.
Mechanism of Action of Alprazolam
Alprazolam mainly acts on Limbic system and ascending reticular formation in the CNS and binds to the BZD receptor. The binding will facilitates GABA mediated chloride channel opening and produce hyperpolarisation. This will produce an increase in the concentration of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA and increase in chloride ions and decreases firing rate of neuron. This in turn alters normal functions of the body.
Pharmacokinets of Alprazolam
Absorption: It is well absorbed after oral administration. Distribution: It is distributed widely in the body in protein bound form. Metabolism: It is metabolised to active and inactive metabolite in the liver. Excretion: Drug is excreted in urine.
Onset of Action for Alprazolam
15 - 30 minutes
Duration of Action for Alprazolam
12 - 16 hours
Half Life of Alprazolam
12 -15 hours
Side Effects of Alprazolam
1.Ataxia
2.Drowsiness
3.Light headedness
4. Slurred speech
5.Nausea
6.Constipation or diarrhoea
7.Tremor
8.Dependence
9.Anorexia
0.Confusion
11.Light headedness
12.Mood changes
13.Muscle rigidity
14.Amnesia
Contra-indications of Alprazolam
1.Hypersensitivity to Benzodiazepines
2.Acute angle closure glaucoma
Special Precautions while taking Alprazolam
1.Renal impairment
2.Hepatic impairment
3.Pulmonary insufficiency
4.Drug abuse
5.Bipolar disorder
6.Driving vehicles and operating machines and people involving any other dangerous activities
Pregnancy Related Information
Contraindicated
Old Age Related Information
Use with caution
Breast Feeding Related Information
Contraindicated
Children Related Information
Contraindicated
NEONATES- contraindicated
Indications for Alprazolam
1.For the short-term management of anxiety,
2.Treatment of Panic disorder.
Interactions for Alprazolam
Alcohol & other CNS depressants: Enhanced CNS effects.
Aminophylline: Antagonizes the sedative effect.
Cimetidine, Oral contraceptives, Disulfiram, Fluoxetine, Isoniazid, Ketoconazole, Metoprolol, Propoxyphene, Propranolol,
Valproic Acid: Elimination of alprazolam decreased due to inhibition of hepatic metabolism leading to enhanced activity.
Digoxin: Increase in serum concentration of Digoxin.
Imipramine & Desipramine: Enhanced activity of these drugs.
Levodopa: Decrease in antiparkinsonism efficacy.
Rifampicine: Decreases efficacy.
Typical Dosage for Alprazolam
Adult:
Anxiety: 0.25 - 0.5 mg every 8 hours in a day. Depending on the severity of the disease the dose can be gradually increased every 3 or 4 days.
Maximum dose: 4 mg / day in divided dose.
Anxiety with depression: 0.5 mg every 8 hours in a day
Maintenance dose: 1.5 - 4.5 mg/ day in divided dose
Panic disorder: starting dose: 1.5 mg /day in 3 divided dose. Depending on the severity of the disease the dose can be gradually increased every 3 or 4 days.

Children: Not recommended
Schedule of Alprazolam
H
Storage Requirements for Alprazolam
The drug should be kept at 15 - 30 degree C in a tightly closed container. Keep out of the reach of children
Effects of Missed Dosage of Alprazolam
Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose.
Effects of Overdose of Alprazolam
Give supportive measures and symptomatic treatment. Flumazenil can be given as antagonist. Hypotension can be treated with vasopressors.If the patient is conscious induce emesis followed by charcoal administration

Home Delivery for Alprazolam in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including alprazolam.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for alprazolam and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for alprazolam may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take alprazolam only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for alprazolam before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for alprazolam with the pharmacy.

Alprazolam is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for alprazolam might be better known than alprazolam itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have alprazolam in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for alprazolam.