Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ATIVAN versus DORAL.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ATIVAN versus DORAL.
ATIVAN vs DORAL
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.
GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulator; enhances the inhibitory effects of GABA by binding to benzodiazepine receptors, increasing chloride channel opening frequency.
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.
15-30 mg orally at bedtime, maximum 60 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: 40-120 hours (long-acting benzodiazepine). Accumulation occurs with repeated dosing, especially in elderly or hepatic impairment.
Renal: lorazepam is primarily excreted as inactive glucuronide conjugates; <1% is excreted unchanged. Total: ~95% excreted in urine, ~5% in feces.
Renal (primarily as metabolites; <1% unchanged). Biliary/fecal: minor.
Category C
Category C
Benzodiazepine
Benzodiazepine