DRUG NAME MECHANISM INDICATION / ADVERSE
OF ACTION CONTRAINDICATION EFFECT RESPONSIBILITIES
GENERIC: Alprazolam A CNS INDICATIONS:
BRAND: Xanax, Niravan depressant that Management of anxiety
CLASS: ANXIOLYTIC; appears to act at disorders or for short-term
SEDATIVE-HYPNOTIC; the limbic, relief of anxiety
BENZODIAZEPINE thalamic, and symptoms. Also used as
DOSAGE: hypothalamic adjunct in management of
Anxiety Disorders levels of the CNS. anxiety associated with
Adult: PO 0.25–0.5 mg t.i.d. (max: Has antianxiety depression and agitation,
4 mg/day) and sedative and for panic disorders,
Geriatric: PO 0.125–0.25 mg b.i.d. effects with such as agoraphobia
0.5 PO BID addictive
ROUTE: PO potential. CONTRAINDICATION
: clumsiness,
Sensitivity to
SOURCE: benzodiazepines; acute
SCRIBD & narrow angle glaucoma;
NANDA pulmonary disease; use
alone in primary
depression or psychotic
disorders, bipolar
disorders, organic brain
disorders; myasthenia
gravis; pregnancy
lactation; children
younger than 18 y.
Impaired hepatic function;
history of alcoholism;
renal impairment, hepatic
disease; geriatric and
debilitated patients.
Effectiveness for long-
term treatment (greater
than 4 mo) not
established.
DRUG TO DRUG
INTERACTION:
Alcohol and other CNS
DEPRESSANTS,
ANTICONVULSANTS,
ANTIHISTAMINES,
BARBITURATES,
NARCOTIC
ANALGESICS,
BENZODIAZEPINES
compound CNS
depressant effects;
cimetidine, disulfiram,
fluoxetine,
TRICYCLIC
NURSING
CNS: Monitored for signs and
Drowsiness, symptoms of drowsiness
sedation, light- and sedation, especially in
headedness, older adults or the
dizziness, debilitated; they may
syncope, require supervised
depression, ambulation and/or side
headache, rails.
confusion,
insomnia, •Monitored periodic blood
nervousness, counts, urinalyses, and
fatigue, blood chemistry studies,
particularly during
unsteadiness, continuing therapy.
rigidity, tremor,
restlessness,
paradoxical •Positioned patient
excitement, changing position to
hallucinations. prevent dizziness.
CV:
Tachycardia,
hypotension, • Advised the patient to not
ECG changes. use alcohol, other CNS
Special Senses: depressants, or OTC
Blurred vision. medications containing
Respiratory: antihistamines (e.g., sleep
Dyspnea. aids, cold, hay fever, or
allergy remedies) without
consulting physician.
•Do not drive or engage in
potentially hazardous
activities until response to
drug is known.
•Advised patient to taper
dosage if the following
continuous happen: abrupt
discontinuation of drug
may cause withdrawal
symptoms: Nausea,
vomiting, abdominal and
muscle cramps, sweating,
confusion, tremors,
convulsions.
ANTIDEPRESSANTS
increase alprazolam levels
(decreased metabolism);
ORAL
CONTRACEPTIVES
may increase or decrease
alprazolam effects.
Cigarette smoking may
decrease serum level of
alprazolam by 50%.

DRUG TO FOOD
INTERACTION:
Grapefruit juice and
grapefruit-containing foo
ds may increase the
actions or side effects
(such as drowsiness or
slowed breathing)