Triazolam(trye ay’ zoe lam)
Apo-Triazo (CAN), Gen-Triazolam (CAN), Halcion
PREGNANCY CATEGORY X
CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE C-IV
Drug Classes
Benzodiazepine
Sedative-hypnotic
Therapeutic Actions
Exact mechanisms of action 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 mesencephalic reticular formation; benzodiazepines potentiate the effects of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter.
Indications
Insomnia characterized by difficulty falling asleep, frequent nocturnal awakenings, or early morning awakening (short-term use: 7–10 days)
Acute or chronic medical situations requiring restful sleep
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines; pregnancy (risk of congenital malformations, neonatal withdrawal syndrome); labor and delivery (“floppy infant” syndrome); lactation (infants may become lethargic and lose weight).
Use cautiously with impaired liver or renal function, debilitation, depression, suicidal tendencies.
Available Forms
Tablets—0.125, 0.25 mg
Dosages
Adults
0.125–0.25 mg PO before retiring. May be increased to 0.5 mg if needed. Do not exceed 0.5 mg/day.
Pediatric patients
Not for use in patients younger than 18 yr.
Geriatric or debilitated patients
Initially, 0.125–0.25 mg PO. Adjust as needed and tolerated. Do not exceed 0.25 mg/day.
Pharmacokinetics
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