Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ALPRAZOLAM versus ATIVAN.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ALPRAZOLAM versus ATIVAN.
ALPRAZOLAM vs ATIVAN
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Positive allosteric modulator of GABA-A receptors; enhances GABA inhibitory neurotransmission by binding to benzodiazepine site on GABA-A receptor, increasing chloride ion conductance.
Benzodiazepine that potentiates GABA-A receptor activity by increasing the frequency of chloride channel opening, leading to neuronal hyperpolarization and inhibition.
0.25-0.5 mg orally 3 times daily; maximum 4 mg/day in divided doses.
2-3 mg orally divided 2-3 times daily; up to 10 mg/day. IV: 2 mg slow IV push, may repeat in 1-2 hours; max 10 mg/day. IM: 0.05 mg/kg (max 4 mg) 2-4 hours before procedure.
None Documented
None Documented
12-15 hours (mean ~13 hours); prolonged in elderly (up to 19 hours) and hepatic impairment (up to 20-30 hours); clinical context: allows once- to twice-daily dosing, but risk of accumulation with high doses or in vulnerable populations
Clinical Note
moderateAlprazolam + Fluticasone propionate
"The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Alprazolam is combined with Fluticasone propionate."
Clinical Note
moderateAlprazolam + Haloperidol
"The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Alprazolam is combined with Haloperidol."
Clinical Note
moderateAlprazolam + Sulfisoxazole
"The metabolism of Sulfisoxazole can be decreased when combined with Alprazolam."
Clinical Note
moderateAlprazolam + Erythromycin
Terminal elimination half-life is 12–18 hours (mean ~14 h). In elderly, hepatic impairment, or obesity, half-life may be prolonged up to 30 hours.
Renal (approximately 80% as metabolites, <20% unchanged); fecal (minor, ~7%)
Renal: lorazepam is primarily excreted as inactive glucuronide conjugates; <1% is excreted unchanged. Total: ~95% excreted in urine, ~5% in feces.
Category D/X
Category C
Benzodiazepine
Benzodiazepine
"The serum concentration of Erythromycin can be increased when it is combined with Alprazolam."