Download the cheat: https://bit.ly/50-meds  View the lesson: https://bit.ly/LorazepamAtivanNursingConsiderations      Generic Name

lorazepam

Trade Name

Ativan

Indication

anxiety, sedation, seizures

Action

general CNS depression by potentiating inhibitory neurotransmitters

Therapeutic Class

anesthetic adjuncts, antianxiety agents, sedative hypnotics

Pharmacologic Class

Benzodiazepine

Nursing Considerations

• use caution with COPD and sleep apnea • avoid alcohol use • antidote is Flumazenil (Romazicon) • may cause apnea, cardiac arrest, bradycardia, hypotension • use caution with other CNS depressants • administer slowly and dilute to decrease complications