Oxazepam(ox a’ ze pam)
Apo-Oxazepam (CAN)
PREGNANCY CATEGORY D
CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE C-IV
Drug Classes
Anxiolytic
Benzodiazepine
Therapeutic Actions
Exact mechanisms not understood; acts mainly at subcortical levels of the CNS, leaving the cortex relatively unaffected; main sites of action may be the limbic system and reticular formation; benzodiazepines potentiate the effects of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter; anxiolytic effects occur at doses well below those needed to cause sedation, ataxia.
Indications
Management of anxiety disorders or for short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety; anxiety associated with depression also is responsive
Management of anxiety, tension, agitation, and irritability in older patients
Alcoholics with acute tremulousness, inebriation, or anxiety associated with alcohol withdrawal
Unlabeled use: Irritable bowel syndrome
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines, tartrazine (in the tablets); psychoses; acute narrow-angle glaucoma; shock; coma; acute alcoholic intoxication with depression of vital signs; pregnancy (risk of congenital malformations, neonatal withdrawal syndrome); labor and delivery (“floppy infant” syndrome); lactation (may cause infants to become lethargic and lose weight).
Use cautiously with impaired liver or renal function, debilitation.
Available Forms
Capsules—10, 15, 30 mg
Dosages
Increase dosage gradually to avoid adverse effects.
Adults
10–15 mg PO or up to 30 mg PO tid–qid, depending on severity of symptoms of anxiety. The higher dosage range is recommended in alcoholics.
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