OXAZEPAM

Oxazepam, USP is the first of a chemical series of compounds known as the 3- hydroxybenzodiazepinones. A therapeutic agent providing versatility and flexibility in control of common emotional disturbances, this product exerts prompt action in a wide variety of disorders associated with anxiety, tension, agitation, and irritability, and anxiety associated with depression. In tolerance and toxicity studies on several animal species, this product reveals significantly greater safety factors than related compounds (chlordiazepoxide and diazepam) and manifests a wide separation of effective doses and doses inducing side effects. Oxazepam, is 7-chloro-1,3-dihydro-3-hydroxy-5-phenyl-2 H -1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one and has the following structural formula: MW 286.72 Oxazepam is a white-crystalline powder. Each capsule for oral administration contain 10 mg, 15 mg or 30 mg of oxazepam. Inactive ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, D&C yellow #10, FD&C blue #1, FD&C blue # 2, FD&C red # 40, ferric oxide black, gelatin, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, n-butyl alcohol, propylene glycol, sda-3a alcohol, shellac, sodium lauryl sulfate, titanium dioxide and other inert ingredients. The 15 mg capsule also contains: FD&C yellow # 6. The 30 mg capsule also contains: D&C red # 28. The following structural formula for Oxazepam, is 7-chloro-1,3-dihydro-3-hydroxy-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

Because of the flexibility of this product and the range of emotional disturbances responsive to it, dosage should be individualized for maximum beneficial effects. OXAZEPAM Usual Dose Mild-to-moderate anxiety, with associated tension, irritability, agitation, or related symptoms of functional origin secondary to organic 10 to 15 mg. 3 or 4 times daily Severe anxiety syndromes, agitation, or anxiety associated with depression 15 to 30 mg. 3 or 4 times daily Older patients with anxiety, tension, irritability, and agitation Initial dosage: 10 mg, 3 times daily. If necessary, increase cautiously to 15 mg, 3 or 4 times daily. Alcoholics with acute inebriation, tremulousness, or anxiety on withdrawal 15 to 30 mg, 3 or 4 times daily This product is not indicated in pediatric patients under 6 years of age. Absolute dosage for pediatric patients 6 to 12 years of age is not established. Discontinuation or Dosage Reduction of Oxazepam To reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions, use a gradual taper to discontinue Oxazepam or reduce the dosage. If a patient develops withdrawal reactions, consider pausing the taper or increasing the dosage to the previous tapered dosage level. Subsequently decrease the dosage more slowly (see WARNINGS : Dependence and Withdrawal Reactions and DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE: Dependence ).

History of previous hypersensitivity reaction to oxazepam. Oxazepam is not indicated in psychoses.

The necessity for discontinuation of therapy due to undesirable effects has been rare. Transient, mild drowsiness is commonly seen in the first few days of therapy. If it persists, the dosage should be reduced. In few instances, dizziness, vertigo, headache, and rarely syncope have occurred either alone or together with drowsiness. Mild paradoxical reactions, i.e., excitement, stimulation of affect, have been reported in psychiatric patients; these reactions may be secondary to relief of anxiety and usually appear in the first two weeks of therapy. Other side effects occurring during oxazepam therapy include rare instances of minor diffuse skin rashes-morbilliform, urticarial, and maculopapular nausea, lethargy, edema, slurred speech, tremor and altered libido. Such side effects have been infrequent and are generally controlled with reduction of dosage. A case of an extensive fixed drug eruption also has been reported. Although rare, leukopenia and hepatic dysfunction including jaundice have been reported during therapy. Periodic blood counts and liver-function tests are advisable. Ataxia with oxazepam has been reported in rare instances and does not appear to be specifically related to dose or age. Although the following side reactions have not as yet been reported with oxazepam, they have occurred with related compounds (chlordiazepoxide and diazepam): paradoxical excitation with severe rage reactions, hallucinations, menstrual irregularities, change in EEG pattern, blood dyscrasias including agranulocytosis, blurred vision, diplopia, incontinence, stupor, disorientation, fever, and euphoria. Transient amnesia or memory impairment has been reported in association with the use of benzodiazepines.

The concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids increases the risk of respiratory depression because of actions at different receptor sites in the CNS that control respiration. Benzodiazepines interact at GABAA sites and opioids interact primarily at mu receptors. When benzodiazepines and opioids are combined, the potential for benzodiazepines to significantly worsen opioid- related respiratory depression exists. Limit dosage and duration of concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids, and monitor patients closely for respiratory depression and sedation.