Details About Generic Salt ::  Alprazol

Main Medicine Class:: Antianxiety,benzodiazepine   

(al-PRAY-zoe-lam)

Xanax,  Alti-Alprazolam, APO-Alpraz, Gen-Alprazolam, Novo-Alprazol, Nu-Alpraz Xanax TS

Class: Antianxiety/benzodiazepine

Drugs Class ::

 Action Potentiates action of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), an inhibitory neurotransmitter, resulting in increased neuronal inhibition and CNS depression, especially in limbic system and reticular formation.

Indications for Drugs ::

 Indications Management of anxiety, anxiety associated with depression, panic disorder with or without agoraphobia. Unlabeled use(s): Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, depression, PMS, agoraphobia with social phobia.

Drug Dose ::

 Route/Dosage

Anxiety Disorder

ADULTS: PO 0.25 to 0.5 mg tid; max 4 mg/day in divided doses.

Elderly/Debilitated Patients

ADULTS: PO 0.25 mg bid to tid; may increase dose gradually.

Panic Disorder

Initial dose: PO 0.5 mg tid; if needed, increase by max 1 mg/day q 3 to 4 day. May require > 4 mg/day.

Contraindication ::

 Contraindications Hypersensitivity to other benzodiazepines; psychoses; acute narrow-angle glaucoma.

Drug Precautions ::

 Precautions

Pregnancy: Category D. Lactation: Excreted in breast milk. Children: Safety and efficacy in children < 18 yr not established. Dependence: Prolonged use can lead to physical and psychological dependence. Withdrawal syndrome has occurred within 4 to 6 wk of treatment, especially if abruptly discontinued. Cautious use and tapering of dosage are necessary. Psychiatric disorders: Not intended for patients with primary depressive disorder, psychoses, or disorders in which anxiety is not prominent. Renal or hepatic impairment: Caution is needed to avoid accumulation of drug. Suicide: Use with caution in patients with suicidal tendencies; do not allow patient access to large quantities of drug.

Drug Side Effects ::

 Adverse Reactions

CV: Hypotension. CNS: Drowsiness; confusion; ataxia; dizziness; fatigue; apathy; memory impairment; disorientation; anterograde amnesia; restlessness; headache; slurred speech; aphonia; stupor; coma; euphoria; irritability; vivid dreams; psychomotor retardation; paradoxical reactions (eg, anger, hostility, mania, insomnia, muscle spasms). DERM: Rash. EENT: Visual or auditory disturbances; depressed hearing. GI: Constipation; diarrhea; dry mouth; coated tongue; nausea; anorexia; vomiting. HEMA: Blood dyscrasias, including agranulocytosis; anemia; thrombocytopenia; leukopenia; neutropenia; decreased hematocrit levels. HEPA: Hepatic dysfunction, including hepatitis and jaundice. OTHER: Elevated LDH, ALT, AST, and alkaline phosphatase.

Drug Mode of Action ::  

 Action Potentiates action of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), an inhibitory neurotransmitter, resulting in increased neuronal inhibition and CNS depression, especially in limbic system and reticular formation.

Drug Interactions ::

 Interactions

Alcohol and other CNS depressants: Produce additive CNS depressant effects. Cimetidine, oral contraceptives, disulfiram: May increase effects of alprazolam, producing excessive sedation and impaired psychomotor function. Digoxin: Serum digoxin concentrations may increase. Omeprazole: May increase serum levels of alprazolam and enhance alprazolam’s effects. Theophyllines: May antagonize sedative effects of alprazolam.

Drug Assesment ::

 Assessment/Interventions

• Obtain patient history, including drug history and any known allergies. Note hypersensitivity to other benzodiazepines and presence of narrow-angle glaucoma.
• Assess patient’s mental status and extent of anxiety before initiation of therapy.
• Assess for the following signs of withdrawal syndrome: Confusion, abnormal perception of movement, depersonalization, muscle twitching, psychosis, paranoid delusions, seizures.
• Notify physician if signs/symptoms of the following conditions occur: Digoxin toxicity—anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, visual disturbances, arrhythmias; hepatic dysfunction—fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain, elevated liver enzyme levels; paradoxical reactions—anger, hostility, episodes of mania and hypomania; or cardiovascular reactions—tachycardia, arrhythmias, hypotension.

Drug Storage/Management ::

 Administration/Storage

• May be given with food if GI upset occurs.
• If patient has difficulty swallowing, crush tablets.
• Store in light-resistant container at room temperature.

Drug Notes ::

 Patient/Family Education

• Advise patient against reducing or suddenly discontinuing this medication, which may cause withdrawal symptoms (eg, sweating, vomiting, muscle cramps, tremors, seizures).
• Caution patient to avoid sudden position changes to prevent orthostatic hypotension.
• Instruct patient to avoid intake of alcoholic beverages or other CNS depressants.
• Caution patient that prolonged use of this medication can lead to dependence.
• Advise patient that drug may cause drowsiness, and to use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring mental alertness.

Disclaimer ::

The Information available on this site is for only Informational Purpose , before any use of this information please consult your Doctor .Price of the drugs indicated above may not match to real price due to many possible reasons may , including local taxes etc.. These are only approximate indicative prices of the drug.