Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ATIVAN versus DIAZEPAM INTENSOL.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ATIVAN versus DIAZEPAM INTENSOL.
ATIVAN vs DIAZEPAM INTENSOL
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Benzodiazepine that potentiates GABA-A receptor activity by increasing the frequency of chloride channel opening, leading to neuronal hyperpolarization and inhibition.
Benzodiazepine that potentiates GABA-A receptor activity by binding to the benzodiazepine site, increasing chloride ion conductance and neuronal inhibition.
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.
2 to 10 mg orally 2 to 4 times daily, as needed for anxiety or muscle spasm; 10 mg orally before procedures for sedation. Maximum 40 mg/day.
None Documented
None Documented
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.
Terminal elimination half-life is 20–50 hours (mean ~30 hours) in adults, with significant interindividual variability; prolonged in elderly, hepatic impairment, and neonates (up to 100 hours).
Renal: lorazepam is primarily excreted as inactive glucuronide conjugates; <1% is excreted unchanged. Total: ~95% excreted in urine, ~5% in feces.
Renal excretion of metabolites (primarily glucuronide conjugates) accounts for ~70% of elimination; fecal excretion accounts for ~10%; unchanged drug in urine is <1%.
Category C
Category D/X
Benzodiazepine
Benzodiazepine