Neonatal Drug Therapy Manual

Lorazepam

Disclaimer: Official controlled document is the CHEO and Ottawa Hospital online copy. It is the responsibility of user to ensure that any paper copy version is the same as the online version before use.

Updated January 26, 2022 - 6:00pm

Alternate Name(s): 
Ativan
Classification: 
Benzodiazepine Anticonvulsant
Original Date: 
March 1992
Revised Date: 
November 2017
Indications: 
  • Acute treatment of seizures
Administration: 
  • IV direct: over 3 - 5 minutes
    • Prior to administration, dilute 1 mL (4 mg) with 9 mL of 0.9%NaCl for a concentration of 0.4 mg/mL
  • PR (For PR administration, dilute injection according to IV instructions)
Dosage: 
  • 0.05 - 0.1 mg/kg/dose. Repeat  x 1 PRN
Side Effects: 

  • CVS: hypotension

  • Respiratory: apnea, respiratory depression

  • Erythema and pain at injection site

Parameters to Monitor: 
  • Blood pressure, heart rate
  • Respiratory rate
  • Injection site
Compatibility: 

- Solutions Compatible: D5W, 0.9% NaCl, SWFI

-  Y-site Compatible: amino acids and dextrose, dobutamine, dopamine, epinephrine, fentanyl, heparin, hydromorphone, milrinone, morphine, norepinephrine, ranitidine

- Incompatible: caffeine, lipids, pantoprazole

 

Notes: 
  • Do not use if solution is discolored or contains a precipitate
References: 

- Slaughter et al. Pharmacological treatment of neonatal seizures: A systematic review. J Child Neurol 2013; 28 (3): 351-64

- American Society on Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Handbook on Injectable Drugs 19th Edition. Bethesda: ASHP 2017

 

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